Showing posts with label city council. Show all posts
Showing posts with label city council. Show all posts

Notes from Shoreline council meeting February 7, 2022

Sunday, February 13, 2022

Reporter Pam Cross
Shoreline City Council Meeting
February 7, 2022

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 February 2022 as BLACK HISTORY MONTH in the City of Shoreline, and encourage all residents to learn more about the history, contributions, and achievements of Black people past and present.

The agenda was approved by unanimous consent.

Report of the City Manager, Debbie Tarry

COVID-19 Update
Cases have decreased significantly in King County as shown in the above graph. Public Health is optimistic that this trend will continue. However cases currently remain at a higher point than in previous waves.


ShoreLake Arts Lantern Festival

Teen Center Reopened

Regular hours are
  • 2:30 to 6:00PM Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays
  • 1:30 to 6:00PM on Wednesdays
  • 2:30 to 11:00PM on Fridays
  • 5:00 to 10:30PM on Saturdays
Proof of COVID vaccination or a negative test within 72 hours are required for entry and masks are required inside the building.

Public Reminders
None

Council Reports

CM Pobee: I attended the SeaShore Transportation Forum for the first time. Thanks to CM McConnell, I was elected as co-chair which is quite a privilege. There is a lot to learn.

CM Mork attended the first Regional Water Quality Committee meeting. With the growth in the region and with the increasing concern on nutrients in the Sound, there will be rate increases. It’s just a matter of when and how much. We asked to have this discussion earlier in the year so that people can prepare for the increase.

Public Comment

There were multiple written comments as well as over a dozen speakers addressing Item 8(a) Update on the Sidewalk Rehabilitation Program.

Ofelia De Bernal, Shoreline
Rebecca Jones, Seattle
Barbara Johnstone, Shoreline
Nancy Morris, Shoreline
Kathleen Russell, Shoreline, Save Shoreline Trees

Concern about the number of trees to be cut for 6’-wide sidewalks on both sides of 5th Ave NE, a narrow busy road as well as the loss of mature trees due to sidewalks, current and future. Alternative sidewalk design or narrower sidewalks should be considered to preserve trees. Current sidewalk design does not consider the long term ramifications of climate change that can be mitigated by saving trees
The width of sidewalks changed after the voters approved the sidewalk bond by 52% of the voters.

Joelle Kemmerling, Shoreline
Suzanne Tsoming read a letter on behalf of Kathy Kaye, Shoreline
Mike Parker, Shoreline

Concern about 20th Ave NW from 195th to 190th St, the entrance to Saltwater Park.
10’ wide sidewalks are too wide for this street. 8’ would be more appropriate for a residential low density area. Current plan is 10’ shared use sidewalk on one side of the road. This doesn’t seem safe when people and bikes will travel in both directions.

Bill Turner, Shoreline
Carla Carroll, Shoreline
Lee Keim, Shoreline

Non specific area
Sidewalks are expensive when 10’ or 11’ wide for only a few blocks. Placing them within residential neighborhoods is not in keeping with the neighborhood. We could make more sidewalks and save trees by making them narrower.

More transparency is required on how the funds will be allocated. Support sidewalks but do not support removing trees to achieve these goals. We need to work around mature trees with cut-outs, narrower sidewalks, wrap-arounds and other considerations.

Janet Way, Shoreline
Referred to the letter she wrote that offers alternative sidewalk designs including photos. Shoreline needs to save its trees.

Robin McCLelland, Shoreline
Was a member of the sidewalk advisory committee and agrees sidewalks are needed and also understands the concerns about trees. Sidewalk priorities were based on needs of the users. Many different criteria were used to identify priority sidewalks. Council should review design flexibility based on needs for mobility as well as saving mature trees.

The Consent Calendar was approved unanimously 7-0.

Item 8(a) Discussion and Update on the Sidewalk Rehabilitation Program and 2018 Voter Approved New Sidewalk Program

Staff presentation by:
  • Tricia Juhnke, City Engineer
  • Laura Reiter, Project Manager for the Sidewalks Program

The following topics will be included in the discussion:
  • Status of the 2018 Voter Approved New Sidewalk Program;
  • Status of the Sidewalk Rehabilitation Program;
  • Key issues that impact both programs; and
  • Plans for future updates to the Sidewalk Prioritization Plan.
We do take saving trees seriously and want to try to address that as well.

In 2017 the Sidewalk Advisory Committee was established to focus on new sidewalks using the sidewalk prioritization plan. The Committee also looked at sidewalk rehabilitation and the ADA transition plan.

In 2018 Council adopted the Sidewalk Prioritization plan and reviewed the draft ADA transition plan. Council approved a $20 Vehicle License Fee (VLF) for sidewalk repair, and voters approved an increase of sales and use tax for new sidewalks. The VLF was then invalidated by voters, but reinstated by the State Supreme Court. This resulted in a delay in spending the VLF fees until the fee was reinstated.

We have made a lot of progress and are working on the remaining projects.

The 5th Ave NE design calls for a 6’ wide sidewalk, narrowed to 5’ to save trees. Initially it appeared 90 trees would be removed but this was reduced to 23.

20th Ave NW is in the early design stages. There will be a shared-use sidewalk on one side, 10’ wide and narrowed to 8’ at the south end where the entrance to Saltwater Park is. We hope to not lose any trees. We will have an arborist evaluate the trees before making a final decision.

An Implementation Plan was developed for the remaining 10 projects. Staff considered opportunities to bundle projects, redevelopment potential which would require the developer to improve the sidewalk, among others. All of the sidewalk projects are projected to be completed by 2028.
  • (Note: the complete New Sidewalk Implementation Plan is included with the staff report.)
Total cost for the 12 sidewalks is estimated to be $53.5M. Projected sales tax revenue is $57.5M.

We are working on our outreach program. We have updated our page on the City website shorelinewa.gov/sidewalks

The webpage includes an introductory video and opportunities for comment and feedback. We are posting signs notifying of upcoming projects and sending advanced notice of upcoming work to the neighborhood.

We recognize the key issues are tree impacts, sidewalk width and location, steep slopes that will require walls, and property impacts. This is covered in some detail in our staff report. We need to keep in mind the Master Plan because we don’t want to put in new sidewalks that have to be removed in 5-10 years when something additional has to be added due to the Master Plan requirement (bike lanes, for example).

The question has come up about rescoring of the Sidewalk Prioritization plan.


TMP - Transportation Master Plan


ROW - Right of Way

The Sidewalk Rehabilitation Program was delayed because of temporary loss and uncertainty regarding its source of funding, as mentioned earlier. The ADA Transition Plan serves as the guide to prioritization for rehabilitation. At an estimated cost in excess of $180M, it’s going to take us a very long time to make a lot of progress.

The two projects in design right now are 15th Ave NE which we hope to complete by 2022 and 5th Ave NE scheduled for 2023. These sidewalks are narrow and buckled due to roots from oversized trees.

We have to measure saving trees vs. ADA compliance. It’s frequently impossible to do both and ADA compliance must take priority. We are already using arborists on all of our projects. We also do short-term fixes of patching sidewalks with asphalt, or grinding. Trees sometimes do damage to curbs and roadways as well.

DISCUSSION

Why did you go with a wider 10’ sidewalk on 20th Ave NE?
  • Reply: It was to accommodate all of the users. It’s just on one side of the road and must accommodate bikes. This is the smallest footprint because bike lanes take up a lot of space. Also, when we talk about bikers on sidewalks, we are thinking of the younger users who would not be riding in the roadway.
I like the idea of alternative sidewalk designs, thank you Janet Way. We do need more sidewalks with minimal impact to trees.

Alternative sidewalks need to be considered early in the design process. There seems to be a certain amount of frustration about them not being considered. Raised sidewalks work well - saving trees and providing mobility for all residents. How can we make sure they are considered early in the process?

The access to Saltwater Park 20th NW- we need to redesign this proposed change. The community was hoping for speed bumps or something to slow drivers, and sidewalks for better access to the park. The neighborhood does not accept the proposed design as seen in public comment. We are still in the design stage so I hope we listen to the neighborhood.

The 5th Ave NE width reduction to 5’ was in response to the neighborhood, correct?
  • Reply: yes it was.
Where will the bike lanes go on 20th NW?
  • Reply: in the roadway. The sidewalk usage by bikers is intended for those who are not comfortable in traffic, such as young children.
Regarding multi-use trails. How wide is the one on 195th?
  • Reply: it’s 12’ to 14’.
Is there best practices for the width on multi-use trails?
  • Reply: Yes, 12’ wide trail with 2’ flat shoulders (buffer) on each side. 10’ is considered the minimum standard.
Would it be possible to put a 6’ sidewalk on one side with separated bike lanes on the roadway going north and south?
  • Reply: Even though the the bike lanes would be the buffer, that’s a much larger area than we are looking at now, so it could have a bigger impact on trees. The wider it gets the more trees are at risk.
We are growing as a city. Sidewalks need to be accessible and safe for all users, people with children in strollers, people walking dogs, people with mobility needs including those in wheelchairs. We want a walkable city and we want a clean city. Trees and sidewalks need to co-exist. Trees are for a healthy environment. And we need sidewalks in order to get around. We want people out of their cars and using light rail, reducing our carbon footprint.

Sound Transit funds are being used for the 5th Ave NE project. If this project doesn’t develop, will the funds be returned for use somewhere else?
  • Reply: ST funds are for specific projects such as 5th Ave. ST gave us $2M for each station so we would have to reprogram the funds into within the 185th station area. But the project would need to be completed by 2024. It would be very difficult to complete a different project in that time frame.
I think 10’-12’ sidewalk would be perfect for Westminster Way. It would be safer by such a busy street. Also bike lanes would get people from Seattle to Shoreline Place. It could be a destination for people on bikes. I formerly biked to work and felt I put my life at risk every time I commuted.
  • Reply: 10’-12’ will have an impact on trees. We have looked at the project only broadly, and see that there will be definite tree impacts, but no measure of the potential impact since we are still in preliminary design.
We have shown that it doesn’t have to be trees v. sidewalks - we are already seeing we can have both as long as we compromise.

Do the bike lanes planned for 5th Ave NE use buffers or painted separation? Physical buffers would be safer for less experienced users.
  • Reply: Painted separation
6’ sidewalks are required for residential, 10’ when there is something non-residential. We need to talk about how this will work around light rail. The difference between residential and multi-use will not be clear cut. We need to find the basis for this distinction as far a sidewalk width.

Sidewalk maintenance is the responsibility of individual property-owners. How do we make sure sidewalks are maintained without solely responding to citizen complaints?
  • Reply Debbie Tarry: That would incur costs.
In 2023 you are reviewing the prioritization but using the same criteria. I don’t like the criteria used because I think safety was double-weighted. The classification of a road was used but not the traffic volume. Local roads around schools have high volume even though they have a low speed limit.

Thanks to all of the speakers. There were thoughtful comments and we all listened carefully to your concerns. I think we are moving in the right direction - we’re just not all of the way there yet.

Item 8(b) Discussion of Proposed American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Business Recovery Funding Allocation

Presentation by
  • Nathan Daum, Economic Development Program Manager
  • Selam Habte, Small Business Consultant
  • Paul Barrera, our partner from the Shoreline Chamber of Commerce and Chair of the Chamber Economic Development Committee
Staff developed, based on Council feedback and direction, a comprehensive plan to make the best use of these funds within the required timeframes. The Human Services allocations were discussed at the January 24, 2022 Council meeting.

The comprehensive plan included targeting an allocation of $500,000 for the purpose of business recovery and stabilization. That will be the topic of this discussion.

Selam Habte was hired by the Chamber of Commerce that partnered with us, to work as Shoreline’s consultant for small business outreach. The objective of outreach is to cultivate ongoing relationships and to better understand local business needs, especially in light of the challenges of COVID-19 and economic recovery. 120 businesses were contacted.


Challenges facing small businesses include shortage of skilled employees, owners working 60+ hours a week to cover for missing staff, increased cost and availability of supplies, concerns about safety (predominately on Aurora Ave), slow foot traffic, and increasing rents. Most immigrant business owners are lacking access to recovery assistance information.

We can address those challenges using these funds. Part of the funding can be used for business coaching when needed. We can offer gift cards to business owners to help them recruit new employees. And offer citywide networking events to bring business owners and residents together to support local small businesses.

Staff recommends dedicated business advisory services for Shoreline businesses in the amount of $363,000 for three years (a federal match would cover 50%) and using Small Business Development Centers of Washington as the service provider.

DISCUSSION

You stated 120 Shoreline businesses were contacted. I did not see Arts and Entertainment. These business lost 91% to 100% of their income.
  • Reply: We have continued the outreach. The slides and list were “point in time” figures at the time of the preparation of the staff report. We started with commercial business grant follow-ups to see how those businesses were faring. Those businesses were in our commercial business areas and main street commercial storefronts because we were hoping to maintain their presence as we went through the pandemic. It’s very hard to find commercial users for commercial space for Shoreline. So we wanted to keep that focus in place. I had a discussion with our Arts administrator today about bringing more arts and arts professionals into this discussion as we move out to more home-based businesses. There are 3,000 business licenses registered to Shoreline, at least 1,000 are Shoreline based. So we’re just getting started.
A while ago we discussed Navigators as a use of ARPA funding to help folks find their way through available sources for COVID recovery. Is the Consultant, who has broad knowledge of resources, a replacement for the Navigator Program?
  • Reply: We have a separate person on-board for the navigator role. So they will work in tandem. For example, businesses are having difficulty filling positions at the same time the community is expressing frustration and lack of opportunity in Shoreline. We are working with both sides to bring folks together. The work is similar but from opposite sides of the issue.
We identified a real need to help businesses navigate existing assistance programs, such as the Paycheck Protection Program. But there are multiple other assistance programs available through federal, state and county sources. Navigators help businesses find funding sources. I don’t want to lose that. I’m glad we continue with this because I don’t want to replace that with something different.
  • Reply (Debbie Tarry): Those navigator positions helped research what is available and going forward, they be with working with the human services side. Selam will help businesses connect with what is available. One does not replace the other.
What size is the gift card program as a percentage?
  • Reply: This is a program we are considering. We have to decide if it will be a meaningful use of funds. It would come out of the $44,000 remaining after other expenditures so it would be less than 9% of $500,000.
No further discussion.

Council retired for an Executive Session:

Property Acquisition - RCW 42.30.110(1)(b) and Potential Litigation - RCW 42.30.110(1)(i)
Session ended at 10:00pm without comment.

MEETING ADJOURNED.



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Agenda for Shoreline council meeting February 14, 2022

Thursday, February 10, 2022

The agenda for the February 14, 2022 Shoreline City Council Meeting has one study item:

8(a) Discussion of Ordinance No. 954 – Amending the 2021-2022 Biennial Budget

Staff have identified operating programs and capital projects that require additional budget allocation, as well as changes to position classifications on the salary table. These needs were not known or were in development in November 2021 at the time the 2021-2022 mid-biennial budget review was conducted and the mid-biennial budget modification was adopted by the City Council through Ordinance No. 945.

This meeting will provide an opportunity for the City Council to review proposed Ordinance No. 954 and ask specific questions and provide staff direction. If the City Council does not have any concerns, staff will immediately commence recruitment to fill the positions impacted by this amendment and schedule action on proposed Ordinance No. 954 on February 28, 2022.

Attend or comment: instructions here



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Shoreline city council will study sidewalk program and ARPA funding allocation

Thursday, February 3, 2022

Top row: Mayor Keith Scully, Deputy Mayor Betsy Robertson, CM Doris McConnell
Second row: CMs Laura Mork, Eben Pobee, John Ramsdell, Chris Roberts


The agenda for the Monday February 7, 2022 regular meeting of the Shoreline City Council contains two study items:

Item 8(a) Discussion and Update on the Sidewalk Rehabilitation Program and 2018 Voter Approved New Sidewalk Program

The following topics will be included in the discussion:
  • Status of the 2018 Voter Approved New Sidewalk Program;
  • Status of the Sidewalk Rehabilitation Program;
  • Key issues that impact both programs; and
  • Plans for future updates to the Sidewalk Prioritization Plan.

Item 8(b) Discussion of Proposed American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Business Recovery Funding Allocation

Staff developed, based on Council feedback and direction, a comprehensive plan to make the best use of these funds within the required timeframes. The Human Services allocations were discussed at the January 24, 2022 Council meeting.

The comprehensive plan included targeting an allocation of $500,000 for the purpose of business recovery and stabilization. That will be the topic of this discussion.

VIRTUAL/ELECTRONIC REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
Monday, February 7, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. on Zoom
The City Council is providing opportunities for public comment by submitting written comment or by joining the meeting webinar (via computer or phone) to provide oral public comment:


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Notes from Shoreline Council meeting January 24, 2022

Saturday, January 29, 2022

Reporter Pam Cross
Shoreline City Council Meeting
January 24, 2022

Notes by Pam Cross

The remote meeting was called to order at 7:00pm by Mayor Scully. All Councilmembers were present.

The agenda was approved by unanimous consent.

Report of the City Manager, Debbie Tarry

COVID-19 Update

The extremely transmissible omicron variant is showing decreasing transmission rates, but transmissions are still significantly higher than in many of the previous waves. King County hospitalizations are now starting to decrease but are still higher than at any other point in the pandemic.


Cloth masks should have at least two layers.

Testing capacity is still strained. Don’t go to emergency rooms for testing because this impedes their ability to care for those with medical emergencies.

Enhanced Shelter Update

The City receives quarterly updates on the shelter, but due to the transition we are still waiting for some of the information from the third and fourth quarters of 2021. Shelter capacity remains at 60.


The shelter has met their required goals that were part of the contract with the City: they have to provide at least 200 bed nights per year and complete 50 case management referrals which they did in 2021.

We will provide more information in the future.

RADAR


REMEMBER TO VOTE!


Public Reminders
  • Councilmembers will attend the Association of Washington Cities’ “City Action Days” virtual conference on Jan 27.
  • The PRCS/Tree Board will hold a remote meeting on Jan 27 at 7pm

Council Reports

Deputy Mayor Robertson attended the North KingCo Coalition on Homelessness meeting. They discussed the upcoming Point in Time Count that tries to get a grasp of the current homeless population. They are aware it is not a perfect process and are creating a plan now for the count that will be conducted in March. They were provided with an update on severe weather sites in North KingCo. The DM also attended her first meeting as an alternate for the Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC).

CM Roberts reported PSRC is seeking public comment on the draft Regional Transportation Plan. Anyone on the Council or any member of the public can comment on the plan. Go to psrc.org to make a comment.

Mayor Scully attended the WRIA 8 meeting which is the salmon recovery council. There is an exciting package of funding proposals that the Governor has sent to the legislature. We are hopeful a lot of that stuff gets enacted.

I’m delighted to announce the Councilmembers who have volunteered for committees for the coming year. These are all outside committees that we participate in. It’s a way for Shoreline to participate in regional governance as well as within our City. It’s voluntary and I’m grateful for Councilmembers who step up for it.

  • CM Roberts has agreed to remain as the delegate to Public Issues Committee with CM Ramsdell serving as the alternate; 
  • CM McConnell is going to remain on SeaShore with CM Pobee as the alternate; 
  • Mayor Scully is staying on WRIA 8 and the Lake Ballinger Forum with CM Mork as the alternate for WRIA 8. 
  • CM Mork has volunteered to serve on the K4C which is the environmental umbrella organization;
  • DM Robertson is going to be joined by CM Ramsdell on the North King County Task Force.

Public Comment

Jackie Kurle, Shoreline
I’m glad about success story at The Oaks, and hope to hear more of these successes.

Abdi Ahmed, Shoreline, Family Advocate for Shoreline School District
Turning Point is very useful for families of East Africans and is most appreciated by the families.

Note: Turning Point provides after-school tutoring, community meals and STEM programs, working to close the equity gap for students in the Shoreline School District.

The Consent Calendar was approved unanimously 7-0.

Action Item 8(a) Action on Resolution No. 486 Declaring Support for 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

Prior to the presentation, Mayor Scully disclosed that his wife, Sarah Cohen, is a member of the Shoreline School Board. This is an unpaid position so there is no financial incentive for the Mayor to support this ballot.

No other disclosures.

Christina Arcidy, Management Analyst made the brief presentation

This was discussed at the Jan 10 Council meeting. There is no resource or financial impact to declaring support for the Shoreline School District Ballot. Council has done this in the past in support of other school district or special district measures that Council believes will support the overall well-being of the community.

Staff recommends that City Council adopt Resolution No. 486.

An opportunity for Public Comment will follow the staff presentation and precede the Council discussion.

PUBLIC COMMENT
None

DISCUSSION

Move and second to adopt Resolution 486.

We have an excellent School District because the community has supported it. Children come first. It’s been a tough couple of years. We need to invest in the future of our children. This is a ceremonial action to show belief in the strength our community,

VOTE
Resolution adopted unanimously 7-0

Study Item 9(a) Discussion of Proposed 2022 Human Services Allocations of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funding

Margaret King, City Attorney

Before discussing this matter, I wanted to draw Council’s attention to State Law RCW 42.23.030 that prohibits an interest in contracts that may be approved by a municipal officer (including members of the Council). It states: No municipal officer shall be beneficially interested, directly or indirectly, in any contract which may be made by, through or under the supervision of such officer, in whole or in part, or which may be made for the benefit of his or her office, or accept, directly or indirectly, any compensation, gratuity or reward in connection with such contract from any other person beneficially interested therein.

Conflicts must be disclosed ahead of time.

We are not taking action tonight, but any Councilmember who feels they may have a conflict or potential conflict should contact her. If a Councilmember has a question, they should refrain from participating in or advocating for anything you feel you might have a conflict in. You may remain in this meeting as long as you don’t advocate for it.

CM Ramsdell disclosed that as a licensed mental health counselor, in 2022 he will be assuming, on a very part-time basis, a position as a clinical supervisor for Charm’d LLC which provides mental health counseling for East African immigrants. As a result he will be recusing himself from the vote when that time comes.

Colleen Kelly, Recreation, Cultural and Community Services Director, gave the presentation


The $7,533,842 in Federal ARPA funding the City will receive will cover COVID-19 eligible expenditures that are fully obligated by December 31, 2024. Budgeting these funds will happen through a 2022 budget amendment and as part of the 2023-2024 budget process.

We had an initial discussion with Council back in June and presented some high level recommendations regarding how to think about allocating these funds in Shoreline. At that time Council indicated its support to allocate $1.6M for human services.


Navigators will now be called Community Support Specialists which we think might be a more acceptable term to the general public.


Specifics around small businesses will be discussed at a later Council meeting.

We have found that many residents are still struggling to meet basic needs. There are significant federal, state and county resources for rent and utility assistance so they are not part of our recommended package.

Staff recommendations:
Because this is an evolving situation, and there is much we don’t know, we felt it was best to begin with 2022 and wait to see how things evolve and unfold.

Donations and Holiday Basket Grocery gift cards will go toward holiday food and gift support for Shoreline School students and their families.

Additional grocery cards are for distribution through other organizations that work with families that might not be attached to the school district (either without children or with children who are in private schools).

Flexible financial assistance is challenging to administer as there are only a few organizations in Shoreline that have programs to provide it. This money would go to those organizations to distribute.
  • Charm’d provides mental health support for immigrant and refugee individuals and families.
  • Grounded is for youth mental health specialists of color to support Black youth and other Youth of Color.
  • Canopy is tutoring and family support services for immigrant and refugee families (formerly called Turning Point).
  • Police requested emergency hotel vouchers mostly for domestic violence victims, or other dangerous situations that require immediate temporary housing.
  • The City currently runs a small grant program called Love Your Community Grants. This is not for neighborhood associations (who have a separate grant program). This is a pilot for other groups but it started at the same time as the pandemic so we don’t know how it will work.
In summary,
  • Total 2022 recommendations: $518,000
  • Balance remaining for future allocation: $994,500
Discussion

It’s great that after all of these expenditures, we would still have almost one million dollars in the account.

The $100,000 flexible financial assistance, would we contract that out with folks with operations in place, or is the City going to manage it? How will we track it?
  • Reply: we are recommending that this money be contracted out to organizations that have operations in place for managing flexible funding assistance and have the internal mechanism to do the necessary tracking. The advantage of flexible financial assistance is it can be used for car repairs or work boots that allow someone to get a job. These things are very hard to get funding for in other places. We are looking at Center for Human Services, Canopy (Turning Point), and a smaller organization called Shoreline Community Care to contract with.

Flexible financial assistance is a great idea. Is there a maximum amount per request? So it doesn’t all go to the first comers?
  • Reply: we see these initial allocations as our first best guess - we will have to adjust as we see how it develops. That’s one of the advantages of having the excess $900k to draw from as needed.

Is there a comfort level with staff that these flexible funds will get out to the communities that need the support, communities that don’t necessarily have access to or engage with certain providers?
  • Reply: These are organizations that are already managing funds like this. We will promote the investments we are making so people are aware of them, and we have dedicated staff available to actively assist residents in accessing us (dedicated phone line, dedicated email, a website that will go live in February).

But we’ll send them from the Shoreline website to another website to actually fill out the forms. And the forms won’t live on the City’s website.
  • Reply: True because the agencies that we work with have way more capacity. It’s better to come to the City because we can assist them and make it less daunting. We don’t want to refer people into a blackhole and not achieve anything. We have staff who can walk them through the process.

Do you have a sense of how strict the requirements are in terms of funding allocations for human services? With screening and monitoring it can take time. We want to streamline the process. When people need money they need it now if not last week or last month. I want to make sure these funds go out quickly to the people who need them. We have other grants that have expired. Inflation is rising fast. We need funds out quickly - less screening and a streamlined process to make it easier.
  • Reply: We have actually front loaded that work so it’s basically done. We are ready to go.

Holiday gift card baskets, that money will be spent in Nov-Dec . We need to put more into the other gift cards now rather than wait for the holidays. People are struggling today. We need to push funds out faster - sooner than later will better help the community.

Will there be some way to make sure it all goes to Shoreline residents because other cities have their own access. I don’t want our system taken advantage of. We have more than enough need in our community after two years of COVID. The money will go pretty quickly.

I’m very concerned about when the Moratorium for eviction ends and people need to find new housing in a very short time. All these programs will be needed.

Limited term navigators. How long is the term?
  • Reply: the maximum term is 3 years. But we actually hired them for 2 years with an option to extend to 3 years as we see the need develop.

I like the impressive list of recommendations, diversity of organizations, and trusting the expertise of these organizations.

We all agree that we need to get the money out quickly because it is needed now. I don’t want too much wait and see. We need to make decisions now. I agree gift cards for holidays could come from a later release of funds and shift those gift cards up to earlier in year.

Money needs to be used well and effectively. What performance measurements are in place to make sure that we’re doing appropriate evaluations of the programs? Will that data be made available? I think that would be interesting to the public as well as the Council.
  • Reply: outcome is measured quarterly in expected units of services but that doesn’t really provide an evaluation. Evaluation is trickier because it’s different from data collection, as you know. Nonprofits don’t have resources to access that kind of information. We want to make sure that Shoreline residents are being served in reasonable numbers for the investment we are making.

Does the City do any checking if all of the information comes from the various non-profits? Does the city validate it in any way?
  • Reply: we visit the organization and have one-on-one meetings. These are mostly organizations we are familiar with having worked with them over the years. There are boilerplate requirements in the contract. Quarterly invoices must be submitted with the data reports on the service units provided and they are checked before payment is made. We hope dedicated staff will be helpful here since we have additional staff that we don’t usually have. We don’t want all the money that we expect to last a year be gone in 3 months.

Not everybody has school-age kids so we need to make sure that the elderly and other people don’t fall through the cracks

Have we previously funded the grocery cards? What funds did we use?
  • Reply: we used CARES Act funding. We did direct distribution with recommendations from family advocates. I think we did two rounds of that. Funding has always been pandemic specific (not through the City general fund). And this time we have the separate grocery cards for people who do not have a connection with the school district.

Edmonds is doing a household support program where they are giving out up to $2,500 grants to families. There are pros and cons to what we’re doing and what Edmonds is doing. Edmonds recognizes people need cash. Our gift card is specifically for food. There are other options to consider if there are problems with the gift card program.

If there is Council consensus to support these recommendations, staff will move forward with implementation and prepare a budget amendment to authorize the proposed expenditures.

Contracts come back on consent so we can get to them quickly.

Are there any objections to proceeding on this basis?

Would the gift card thing be contracted out.
  • Reply: We made the direct purchase so it’s not a contracted item.

Have we budgeted $50,000?
  • Reply: the actual budget authority will happen as part of the budget amendment process so everything that we’re bringing to you tonight will get rolled into the budget amendment as part of the expenditure authority. The specific programs will have contracts. The grocery cards we will purchase directly and then distribute them to our partners either through the gift baskets program or through other community based organizations that are working either with seniors or other populations that are struggling to meet their needs. That will be a distribution process, not a contracting process.

So if a CM wanted to increase a particular line item it would be part of the reconciliation process where we would change that amount.
  • Reply Debbie Tarry: Just a reminder we do adopt the budget at the fund level. We have enough budget authority - we just need to know if Council is supportive of this. Even though we will come back with the budget amended, we don’t have to wait until that happens because we have enough budget authority in our biennial budget to get the cards purchased.

If we want to increase the amount, where would we have the discussion?
  • Debbie Tarry: My suggestion would be for us to move forward with what staff recommended. We’ll be working with our partners to understand how fast they are going out. If it’s happening quickly, we can purchase more gift cards. We’re trying to understand what the demand is. We can be nimble enough to increase it in a pretty short order if we need to. Doing large enough sums provides us with a discount.

When do we start talking about the 2023 money?
  • Reply: the funds are not actually delineated into 2022, 2023, 2024 dollars. We used an artificial delineation in order to plan for 23 and 24. We could spend all of the money this year if that’s what we felt we needed to do, or we could delay it until the end of 2024. It’s not like our annual budget. It’s just what is the need and when do we think the resources should be deployed and in what way. That is why there is so much flexibility.

Will Council have a chance to talk about this rather than just being on Consent Calendar as we get closer to talking about larger amounts of money?
  • Reply Mayor Scully: What will come to us on Consent is a particular individual contract so it won’t be a discussion of the grocery cards - it will be asking Council to approve or disapprove a contract with XYZ in “this" amount. And we can pull it from Consent for additional discussion if necessary. We have the authority from Council Action to change budget categories and amend the budget, either through the regular budget process or as a one-off. Given what we’ve heard tonight and given the flexibility, what I suggest is we stay in contact with staff and when we have concerns we ask staff to put another study session on.
Council is in agreement.

MEETING ADJOURNED



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Shoreline council attended Association of Washington Cities' "City Action Days" conference

Friday, January 28, 2022

The Shoreline city council, which canceled its normal Monday January 31, 2022 meeting, attended the virtual session of the Association of Washington Cities.

The session was held Thursday, January 27, from 8am to noon.

The conference is held annually during the legislative session, usually in person, Because of COVID-19 it was held online.

City Action Days is AWC’s legislative conference to educate statewide decision makers about city priorities and to push the City’s agenda forward.

Keynote speaker was Governor Jay Inslee.
AWC welcomes Governor Jay Inslee to hear about the importance of the partnership between the state and its cities.

Additional speakers
  • AWC President Kent Keel, Councilmember, University Place
  • Sen. Andy Billig (D-Spokane), Majority Leader of the Senate, District 3
  • Sen. John Braun (R-Centralia), Republican Leader of the Senate, District 20
  • Rep. Laurie Jinkins (D-Tacoma), Speaker of the House, District 27
  • Rep. J.T. Wilcox (R-Yelm), Minority Leader of the House, District 2
  • Brittney Kohler, Legislative Director, Transportation and Infrastructure Services, National League of Cities
  • Candice Bock, Government Relations Director, AWC
  • Carl Schroeder, Deputy Director Government Relations, AWC
  • Brandy DeLange, Government Relations Advocate, AWC
  • Sharon Swanson, Government Relations Advocate, AWC
  • Emma Shepard, Strategic Content Analyst, AWC

City leaders from the entire state attended the conference.



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Classifieds: January 31, 2022 Shoreline Council meeting cancelled

Wednesday, January 26, 2022

Shoreline City Hall and Council Chambers
Photo by Mike Remarcke
CANCELED - January 31, 2022 Shoreline City Council Regular Meeting

Date: 01/31/2022 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm

You are hereby notified that the Monday, January 31, 2022 Shoreline City Council Regular Meeting has been canceled.



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Shoreline City Council unanimously supports Shoreline School District's Propositions 1 and 2

Tuesday, January 25, 2022

Shoreline City Council supports Shoreline School District propositions on February 8 ballot

On January 24, 2022 the Shoreline City Council unanimously approved Resolution 486 declaring their support for Shoreline School District’s Propositions 1 and 2. Both propositions appear on the February 8, 2022, special election ballots.

Proposition 1 calls for the replacement of the expiring levy for educational programs and operations and would generate approximately $108,750,000 over four years. 

It would continue funding for education programs not fully supported by state and federal funding, including special education staff and instructional programs, highly capable programs, and academic support for students; nurses, family advocates, librarians, and counselors; building maintenance, utilities and transportation; extra-curricular student activities, including music, drama and athletics; and professional development and all Time Responsibility and Incentive compensation for teachers and staff.

Proposition 2 calls for the replacement of the expiring capital levy for technology improvement and support and would generate $14,000,000 over four years.

This replacement levy funds instructional technology and internet access for students and staff across the district. These funds help pay for student and staff computers and technology access; software, online subscriptions, resources, and classroom curriculum; annual maintenance and licensing; equipment upgrades and replacement; staffing, professional development, and training; network servers and wireless infrastructure; and email and website services for families, students, and staff.

Learn more about the Shoreline School District’s Propositions 1 and 2

Under RCW 42.17A.555, the City Council, as an elected legislative body, can take action in support of or opposition to a ballot proposition as long as it is done in an open meeting and an equal opportunity to provide an opposing view is provided. 

Resolution 486 was adopted at the City Council’s January 24, 2022 regular meeting.



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Agenda for Shoreline council meeting January 24, 2022

Thursday, January 20, 2022

Shoreline City Council 2022

The agenda for the January 24, 2022 Shoreline City Council meeting includes one action item and one study item.

Action Item 8(a) Action on Resolution No. 486 Declaring Support for 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

This was discussed at the Jan 10 Council meeting. There is no resource or financial impact to declaring support for Shoreline School District Ballot Proposition No. 1.

Staff recommends that City Council adopt Resolution No. 486.

An opportunity for Public Comment will follow the staff presentation and precede the Council discussion.

Study Item 9(a) Discussion of Proposed 2022 Human Services Allocations of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funding

Staff will present recommendations for 2022 Human Services ARPA expenditures.

The $7,533,842 in ARPA funding the City will receive will cover COVID-19 eligible expenditures that are fully obligated by December 31, 2024. Budgeting these funds will happen through a 2022 budget amendment and as part of the 2023-2024 budget process.

Staff recommends that the City Council discuss staff’s recommended 2022 Human Services ARPA funding recommendations. If there is Council consensus to support these recommendations, staff will move forward with implementation and prepare a budget amendment to authorize the proposed expenditures.

Information about viewing the meeting and/or making comments is here

--Pam Cross



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Notes from Shoreline council meeting January 10, 2022

Saturday, January 15, 2022

Pam Cross, reporter
Shoreline City Council Meeting
January 10, 2022

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
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 :

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?


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.
Then why are there no increases in Prop 2?
  • Reply Ms. Miller: it’s replacing equipment and the cost of some items is actually lower.
Do we need to replace all equipment? I realize technology changes but I’m just curious if there is a replacement reserve?
  • 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.

We all heard of the problems with internet connectivity during the pandemic. Is this addressed in these levies?
  • 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.
Councilmembers can always individually support the levies.

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?
  • 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
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?
  • Reply: all areas around there were zoned commercial since City incorporation. For some reason, these parcels were skipped over.
Some of these type of things are left over from what King County did at some point in the past. It probably made a lot of sense at the time.

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.
This item is scheduled to come back as Consent. Anyone object?

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.
Council agrees to return on consent calendar.

Meeting adjourned.



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Shoreline council meeting canceled for January 17

Wednesday, January 12, 2022

Shoreline City Hall photo by Steven H. Robinson
The Monday, January 17, 2022 Shoreline City Council Regular Meeting has been canceled in observance of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day holiday.


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Notes from Shoreline Council meeting January 3, 2022

Friday, January 7, 2022

Pam Cross, reporter
Shoreline City Council Meeting
January 3, 2022

Notes by Pam Cross

The remote meeting was called to order at 7:00pm by Jessica Simulcik Smith, City Clerk.

On December 22, 2021, Shoreline District Court Judge Marcine Anderson swore newly elected City Councilmembers Laura Mork, Eben Pobee, and John Ramsdell into office. Judge Anderson also swore in returning Councilmember Chris Roberts.

The recording of the ceremony was played.

After the swearing in, City Council members selected Councilmember Keith Scully as Mayor.

The meeting was then turned over to Mayor Scully.

Councilmember Betsy Robertson was elected as Deputy Mayor.

Report of the City Manager, Debbie Tarry

COVID UPDATE



As we all know by now, the Omicron variation has greatly increased the number of transmissions.

SNOW EVENT

It’s over!

RECOLOGY PICK UP

Back to normal next week.

PROPOSITION 1


Council Reports

Mayor Scully
reported that the State Auditor’s office found nothing out of the ordinary in Shoreline’s records. No exceptional findings and no corrections.

From the City’s website: This audit examines the City's financial statements to ensure that they are fairly stated and that the underlying financial records support the information reported in the financial statements. As the recipient of major federal grants, Shoreline is also subject to the Federal Single Audit for grant recipients. This is a review of Shoreline's grant expenditures and records to ensure that the City has complied with the federal regulations and requirements associated with the grant.

Public Comments

Nathan Hawkins, Shoreline
I’m speaking to the issue of transportation. We have trouble with cut-through traffic in Westminster Triangle in order to avoid traffic lights. There are no sidewalks and no curbs and there are schoolchildren living here. We have talked about this with Council for a long time and nothing has been done. Traffic continues to increase. We would like some mitigation.

Ann Michel, Shoreline
I am talking about our property next to Echo Lake Park and the Interurban Trail. Seattle City Light plans to remove the security fence that’s been there since about 1964 and also to take over part of what we assumed was our yard. We are concerned about safety in the open area along the trail. We have been writing about this for some time. We are caught between SCL and the City of Shoreline in trying to reach a resolution.

Isis Charest, Shoreline, Save Shoreline Trees
The Race to Zero campaign was recently covered in Currents. However, tree codes are passed over repeatedly. Decisions are put off for months. The reality is there is no commitment to preserve trees - they are overlooked in favor of building regulations.

Jackie Kurle, Shoreline
I encourage maximum transparency of the operation of the enhanced shelter for the benefit of both residents and neighbors. I hope to see updated statistics.

Approval of the Consent Calendar
Consent Calendar approved unanimously 7-0.

Study Item 8(a) Discussion of the 2020 Annual Traffic Report

Presentation by
Kendra Dedinsky, City Traffic Engineer
Captain Ryan Abbott, Shoreline Police


During 2020 there were fewer collisions, probably due to decreased traffic during the pandemic. But fatalities increased which is similar to state and national results.


Shoreline is shown in green.

As suggested by theses slides, this is a detailed statistical report.

Arterials have the most injury collisions (Aurora and Ballinger).The only hot spot for bike collisions is Meridian and 185th.

Items being considered and implemented to address safety concerns:
  • Street lighting improvements
  • Re-striping
  • Design for injury reduction
  • Lowering speeds
  • Increased lighting for pedestrians
  • Driver education
  • Pursuing grants
  • Interval signal phasing
  • Spot signage
  • Various capital and development street improvements
  • Ongoing enforcement and education with speed emphasis patrols.
  • (Enforcement was down in 2020 due to the pandemic for health safety. There were 649 reported abandoned vehicles and were 55 impounded.)
Comments

Council’s decision to lower speed limits on the north end of 15th Ave has turned out to be the right one for the safety of the community. And thanks for mentioning the 175th grant opportunity. That discussion came up before I was on Council, but it is in my neighborhood so I heard a lot about it. What is the plan for outreach to the Ridgecrest and North City neighborhoods?
  • Reply: This was discussed as part of the 175th project about 3 years ago. It was contentious, to say the least. And it was on the heels of the re-stripe of Richmond Beach Road. We have budgeted quite a bit of outreach time. We hope to present several ideas.
The community doesn’t love it when we make quick decisions and without proper process and feedback. I’m not against it and open to the conversation.

Are you asking Council if we should seek the March 2022 grant?
  • Reply: that would be helpful. We can always refuse grant money if we decide it’s not the right move.
Several of the businesses there were concerned about trucks being able to navigate a 3-way road in that segment. It would be quite difficult for somewhat larger trucks that serve some of those businesses. I don’t think it was neighborhoods that were raising concerns, it was the North City Business Association.
  • Reply: The main concern of two primary businesses was congestion rather than the ability to navigate.
I think we need to continue that discussion with them before we move forward.

One of the challenges Shoreline faces is that there is very little that can be done without building a whole set of infrastructure to narrow a road or make a street safer. We have various right of way widths across the City, without sidewalks or anything else to slow traffic. Westminster Triangle, as mentioned by Mr. Hawkins, has a very wide right of way with no improvements. How can we slow traffic when there isn’t anything we can build upon? We would have to do the whole set of improvements including curbs and sidewalks.
  • Reply: There are chicanes and traffic circles, or street parking, but there are always trade-offs involved. It is a huge challenge.

Regarding Evanston (in Westminster Triangle): there are the two mitigating traffic features between 148th and 156th. People fly down the road and then slow down when they hit the mitigating features.

In general, lowering speed limits 5mph should help, along with enforcement, radar feedback signs, and improved crossings with pedestrian activated traffic beacons.

How can we make turns safer to protect pedestrians? Making turns sharper like with a median strip through the sidewalk so drivers can’t cut the turn close, or are raised sidewalks safer? Are these being considered?
  • Reply: Yes. We used raised sidewalks along Westminster between 155th and 99, our city’s first use and we hope to use more. Pedestrians are often hit when crossing streets so slowing drivers down, while turning, is critical to that. Design changes we’ve made will discourage fast turns.
I looked at the intersection of 10th and 175th and arrived shortly after an accident. And I’ve been tied up in traffic there for long periods in the past. As we trying to create alternatives? Can we put up signs saying no left turns between specific hours?
  • Reply: there are a couple of low cost interim improvements. Time turn restriction is challenging because it requires enforcement support in order to get compliance. And we are quite short staffed for traffic enforcement. Also we need to look at, if they can’t turn left at one intersection, how else will they get there and how does that impact other streets? Through local streets? That is very unpopular. But importantly, we see the collisions at 8th and at 12th as well as 10th, and the driveways. It would be almost impossible to reduce the number of collisions. And they don’t necessary occur during peak hours. Be we can further evaluate.
Thanks for the clarification.

Your report is excellent. You respond to citizen reporting of community complaints. Is this coordinated with traffic and police so a pattern can be recognized? It would be helpful to see that.
  • Reply: we receive about 400 traffic safety complaints each year. Every single one is responded to (not always as timely as we’d like) and 90% center on local street complaints. It is untenable to address each one as they are on multiple streets. We don’t have the resources. So that’s when we refer to the traffic data collision history. We appreciate the issues but rely on the data that is very dynamic and complex. It can take 2-3 years to make sure we’re not impacting the adjacent neighborhood by moving the problem one street over. We share the data with the police - we work together informing each other. Signage and markings can be done. But contracting out things like speed humps is a big expense including staff costs. So those are used on more priority places.
Level of enforcement. With COVID we didn’t want contact. Now we are staying safer and we can begin contact. Police need to work with Council to get police up to speed in enforcement of traffic and parking and to improve public satisfaction.

Back to the Grant. In this type of grant is it project restricted ? Or can you get a grant and apply it to several projects in the city?
  • Reply: WADOT requires project specific. The are looking at same data we are: collisions, injuries, fatalities. You get to choose from different safety items. Grant is fund restricted, so building a round-about is too expensive while 3-lane re-striping is ok. There are grant cycles so we can continue other options.
The grant you’re asking for is for other areas. I encourage applying for it. Grant money is important to go after. Even if it’s project and not just a “pot of money” we can spend wherever we want.

Changing a road from 4 to 3 lanes is good for safety but the community does not like it so public outreach is important. Heavy outreach to give public time to get onboard with it. Public input helps me decide whether data is more important than public input.

MEETING ADJOURNED.


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