Showing posts with label city of shoreline. Show all posts
Showing posts with label city of shoreline. Show all posts

Update from City of Shoreline: outdoor programs and rentals cancelled but parks are open; participate remotely for council meetings

Monday, March 16, 2020

Shoreline City Hall
Photo by Mike Remarcke
From the City of Shoreline

March 16 Council Meeting – Participate remotely

Tonight’s Regular City Council Meeting will be held in the Council Chamber at Shoreline City Hall and is open for the public to attend. 

However, to help prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus, we are strongly encouraging the public to participate remotely using the following options available:

Outdoor park programs, rentals, and permits cancelled until further notice

All outdoor park programs and outside rentals and permits are canceled until further notice.

The City of Shoreline has made the decision not to close outdoor parks and park facilities. It is important that people be able to get out and enjoy themselves in an environment that is poses less risk for transmission of COVID-19. People should continue to practice physical distancing and not congregate. Keep at least six feet apart.

We have increased cleaning of restrooms to twice per day; however, we are not disinfecting the play equipment. We encourage everyone to wash their hands frequently, especially after having been outside.

For the latest information:


Read more...

COVID-19 Small Business Assistance Resources Available and Request for Impact Information

The City of Shoreline and Shoreline Chamber of Commerce are partnering to collect information about local small business impacts of the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak.

To see how "small business" is defined for your industry, see Table of Size Standards from the Small Business Administration (SBA).

We are tracking potential relief measures that may become available and would like to encourage all Shoreline businesses to provide information on the impacts to their business. The Small Business Administration is also still developing guidance for COVID-19. Please sign up to receive update notifications.

Bookmark this site COVID-19 Resources for Local Businesses for the latest updates on local impacts to small businesses

The SBA has enlisted the City and other local partners to collect and transmit information. In order to streamline information to the SBA, we ask that you work directly with us and not directly with the SBA during this process.

Please complete this form: Estimated Disaster Economic Injury Worksheet for Business and return to C19BizResponse@shorelinewa.gov which will help provide a more accurate assessment of impacts to small businesses. You are not required to fill out this form, but it will help the SBA in addressing relief for small businesses.

The City has been advised that new federal legislation and appropriations have opened up the possibility for small businesses to receive assistance for economic loss due to COVID-19. The SBA is still developing details around eligibility and administration of this assistance. However, some information from the traditional SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program will still apply for COVID-19.
 
If a small business has suffered substantial economic injury as a result of COVID-19, it may be eligible for financial assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration. 

Small businesses and small agricultural cooperatives that have suffered substantial economic injury may be eligible for the SBA's Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Program.
 
Substantial economic injury is the inability of a business to meet its obligations as they mature and to pay its ordinary and necessary operating expenses. 

An EIDL can help meet necessary financial obligations that a business could have met had the disaster not occurred. 

It provides relief from economic injury caused directly by the disaster and permits the business to maintain a reasonable working capital position during the period affected by the disaster.
 
The SBA provides EIDL assistance only to those businesses that the SBA determines are unable to obtain credit elsewhere.

  • The loan amount will be based on the business' actual economic injury and financial needs.
  • The interest rate on EIDLs cannot exceed 4% per year.
  • The term of the loans cannot exceed 30 years.
  • Terms and conditions will be determined by the business' ability to repay the loan.
  • Impacts to Working Families


The City of Shoreline is also tracking childcare centers that have closed and other closures that are impacting working families. We are asking for your help, please contact us with any information you can provide.

Contact us at C19BizResponse@shorelinewa.gov.

Please note: neither the City of Shoreline or the Shoreline Chamber of Commerce is directly distributing assistance to impacted businesses at this time. This is a request for information only. Resources that may be available to you will require action on your part to access. We will endeavor to continue to provide you with useful information as this emerging situation continues to evolve.



Read more...

City of Shoreline response to COVID-19

Thursday, March 12, 2020

Shoreline City Hall
Photo by Mike Remarcke
From the City of Shoreline

The City of Shoreline is working closely with our partner agencies to respond to COVID-19. 

The Washington State Department of Public Health is the lead agency for the State’s response. 

They are working closely with Public Health - Seattle and King County on coordinating and communicating about the response in King County, which includes Shoreline. Please visit their websites for the latest information.

“Public health and safety continues to be the top priority for City Council,” stated Shoreline Mayor Will Hall. “The City is taking steps based on guidance from public health officials and we urge everyone to follow the expert guidance to help slow the spread of the disease.”

We are following the recommendations of Public Health - Seattle and King County and taking proactive steps to protect the health of our community.

The primary guidance from Public Health is social distancing and avoiding gatherings of 10 or more people in close proximity. As such, we concluded it was best to close Spartan Recreation Center, Shoreline Pool, and Richmond Highlands Recreation Center. 

City Hall remains open. We are practicing social distancing at City Hall, which means many staff members are telecommuting for work. If you have business at City Hall, we are asking you to use email, phone, and our online services as much as possible to help limit face-to-face interactions. We are also looking for alternative ways to hold public meetings that supports social distancing.

For the most up-to-date information about the City’s response to COVID-19, visit shorelinewa.gov/covid.

On March 4, the City Manager signed a Local Declaration of Public Health Emergency. This emergency declaration is not a cause for alarm. It is a formal step in a process that facilities coordination with other agencies, including the Department of Health and Public Health – Seattle and King County. It also grants the City access to additional resources if needed.

It's important that everyone take steps to reduce the spread of novel coronavirus, especially to protect those who are more vulnerable.

Public Health recommends that people at higher risk of severe illness should stay home and away from large groups of people as much as possible, including public places with lots of people and large gatherings where there will be close contact with others. This includes concert venues, conventions, sporting events, and crowded social gatherings.

People at higher risk include people:
  • Over 60 years of age
  • With underlying health conditions, including heart disease, lung disease, or diabetes
  • With weakened immune systems
  • Who are pregnant
For everyone else:
  • Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If not available, use hand sanitizer.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid contact with people who are sick.
  • Stay home while you are sick and avoid close contact with others.
  • Cover your mouth/nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing.

The next several weeks will be the most critical in helping to slow the spread of the virus and reduce the number of people infected. We recognize that closing facilities, cancelling meetings, and altering operations have real impacts on our community. 

However, we believe it is necessary to protect our most vulnerable residents. We will continue to follow the recommendations of Public Health and will look to them for guidance.


Read more...

City of Shoreline: Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update – March 5, 2020

Thursday, March 5, 2020



Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update – March 5, 2020 - City of Shoreline

As of March 4, 2020, Public Health - Seattle and King County began providing guidance to limit large groups of people, including postponing events and gatherings.

For those at higher risk for severe COVID-19 illness, Public Health is recommending that you stay home and away from large groups as much as possible. 

Those at higher risk include people over the age of 60; anyone with underlying health conditions such as heart disease, lung disease, or diabetes; people who have weakened immune systems; and people who are pregnant. Read the full list of Public Health - Seattle and King County's recommendations.

The City is following Public Health’s recommendations and will be closing some facilities and cancelling some events and meetings to limit potential exposure to the virus. For more information, visit shorelinewa.gov/covid.

Local Declaration of Public Health Emergency

The City Manager has signed a Local Declaration of Public Health Emergency. This emergency declaration is not a cause for alarm. It is a formal step in a process that facilitates coordination with other agencies including the State Department of Health and Public Health – Seattle and King County and grants the city access to additional resources if needed.

Shoreline Facilities:

The following facilities will be closed until further notice, including all programs and rentals, beginning Friday, March 6:
  • Shoreline Pool
  • Spartan Recreation Center
  • Richmond Highlands Recreation Center

The City will follow its refund policy for those programs and facility rentals impacted by the closures.

Registration for summer camps will still begin March 10, 8:00am. Registration can be done online or over the phone. Call 206-801-2600 to register over the phone. There will be no in-person registration.

City Hall will remain open. However, City staff who are able to telecommute will do so. Our frontline staff will be practicing social distancing. If you come to City Hall, expect staff to keep their distance. No offense, it just makes sense. 

City Events and Meetings:

City sponsored events and meetings, except those noted below, are cancelled through March 27. 

The City will follow the guidance of Public Health - Seattle and King County in evaluating whether to extend cancellations beyond March 27.
  • Planning Commission meeting scheduled for Thursday, March 5, 2020 will be held as scheduled.
  • City Council meetings will be held as scheduled. However, the City will continue to assess the situation and will notify you if this changes.


Read more...

Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) update from the City of Shoreline

Friday, February 28, 2020

National, state, and local health officials are closely monitoring the outbreak of illness caused by the novel coronavirus, COVID-19. 

Although the current risk to people in King County from COVID-19 remains low (with no local cases), the Center for Disease Control (CDC) has stated that it is increasingly likely that it will spread within the US at some point.

We are monitoring the situation as well and following the guidance of the CDC, the State Department of Health, and Public Health – Seattle and King County. At this time, the public in Washington is not considered at risk for COVID-19. In the event of an outbreak here, the Department of Health and Public Health – Seattle and King County will be the lead agencies and our work will be to support them.

The Department of Health has established a quarantine site on state-owned property next to the Public Health Labs on the Fircrest Campus in Shoreline. The facility is for healthy people who have potentially been exposed to the virus but are not exhibiting any symptoms and are unable to safely separate themselves from others at home for the required 14 days.

Public Health medical personal will test any person in quarantine exhibiting symptoms. If the person tests positive for the virus, they will be taken to a medical facility. Washington State Patrol is providing 24/7 security at the site.

What you can do

Prepare now: Public Health recommends that organizations and individuals prepare now to reduce the number of illnesses and negative effects that could occur in our community.

Travel and illness: People who are traveling should be aware of the impacted countries, and if they become ill after traveling, call a doctor or hospital immediately.

Discrimination: While health officials first detected the virus in Wuhan, China, and China has seen the most significant outbreak of the virus, the World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed infections in countries across the world. Discrimination based on ethnicity or ancestry will make the situation worse.
  • Having Chinese ancestry – or any other ancestry – does not make a person more vulnerable to this illness. Coronavirus doesn’t recognize race, nationality, nor ethnicity.

Emergency Kit: We always recommend keeping a basic disaster kit which will be critical in any kind of emergency. 

Masks: Public Health does not currently recommend that people wear masks when they are in public. This is because the immediate health risk to the public in Washington is currently low. Additionally, scientists are not sure whether wearing a mask in public keeps healthy people from getting sick.
  • However, if you are sick you should wear a mask in a healthcare setting (such as a waiting room) to avoid exposing other people when you cough or sneeze.

City of Shoreline

Read more...

Jan 6 deadline to apply for Shoreline's CityWise program

Thursday, December 19, 2019


Have you ever wondered who maintains our roads, how the City creates a budget or plans for the future of our parks?

Curious residents will have an opportunity to learn how local government works in the Shoreline CityWise Project, an 8-week series of FREE interactive classes starting in January 2020.

Don’t wait until the last minute!

Applications for Shoreline’s CityWise Project are open now and will be accepted until January 6, 2020.

For information and the application, look online or contact Constance Perenyi, 206-801-2253.




Read more...

Jobs: City of Shoreline

Friday, December 13, 2019

Job announcements from the City of Shoreline

Extra Help – Camp Directors

We are seeking two (2) Camp Directors for our School's Out program and Camp Shoreline summer program. This position is "open until filled" with first application review date: December 23rd.

Scope of Work

Provide staff/volunteer supervision and leadership at City of Shoreline sponsored preschool-school aged Camps taking place during Shoreline School District breaks, including summer. Act as lead for entire camp and work with one or more camp leaders to plan activities and lead participants in a variety of activities, including visual and performing arts, sports, creative movement, team and individual games and special events. Position will work a maximum of 40 hours each week during summer camp with planning hours, as needed, prior to camps as well as have the option of working camps throughout the school year.

Job description and application


Extra Help – Teen Program Leader

We have three (3) open Teen Program Leader positions in our Youth and Teen Development Program. In this position you will serve as a positive role model for youth by helping to plan, lead and participate in activities that reach and respond to the changing needs of youth in our community.

Scope of Work

Provide leadership at all city sponsored teen program events. Assist in sports, music, arts and environmental program development for youth in middle and high school, up to 18 years old. Must have the ability to work late afternoon, evening and/or weekends 10-20 hours per week.

Description and application




Read more...

2019 November election results and the impacts to Shoreline: Shoreline Proposition 1 and I-976

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

From the City of Shoreline

Over the next several months, the City will discuss how the results of the November election will affect our community.

Passage of Initiative 976 (I-976) will place a significant strain on our transportation programs and the wider City budget as we search for ways to absorb the annual loss of more than $1.6 million from the City’s street and sidewalk maintenance and preservation programs. 

Failure of Shoreline Proposition 1 will require the Council and the community to have tough discussions about aquatics programming offered by the City and future investments in parks and City recreation facilities.

Shoreline Proposition 1

With an approval vote of 54%, Shoreline Proposition 1 failed. Because Prop. 1 was a bond measure, it required a 60% approval rate to pass. Over the past several years, hundreds of Shoreline residents have contributed to the discussion on developing the proposed Shoreline Aquatics, Recreation, and Community Center and on making improvements to our parks.

Whether you voted to approve or reject the proposition, we want to thank Shoreline residents for taking the time to learn about the issue, provide their input, and vote. As we work to identify a new path forward that will meet the needs of our growing community, we hope that those who supported and opposed the Proposition stay engaged and continue to contribute to the discussion.

Using the extensive input from the public and taking all the different community needs and interests into account, the Council felt it put the best option forward. Council will now begin to evaluate the results of the election and determine what next steps, if any, they should take regarding future investments in park improvements and the City’s recreation facilities.

Council will need to make some tough decisions regarding the Shoreline Pool. The repairs we made to the Pool in 2015 were meant to be temporary and not last much more than five to seven years.

Even with the $750,000 investment in 2015, the City has been experiencing increasing maintenance costs at the pool as it is over 50 years old and the pool systems and building structure are nearing the end of their useful lives. 

In 2019 alone, the City has seen pool repair costs exceed $125,000. Council will need to evaluate whether it makes economic sense to put further investment into the existing pool, refine options for a new facility, or decide not to provide aquatic programs in the long-term.

Until the School District decides to use the Spartan Recreation Center for other purposes, it will continue to operate as it does today. As the need for repairs arise, Council will have to determine how much to invest in an aging facility we do not own.

State, regional, and local transportation funding face cuts under I-976

Passage of I-976 eliminates Shoreline’s ability to charge a vehicle license fee (VLF) for transportation purposes.


  • In 2009, City Council adopted a $20 VLF to help fund the maintenance of Shoreline streets on a regular schedule. Over time, this has helped us preserve our streets and avoid more costly road replacements that can be the result of deferred maintenance. 
  • Council passed the other $20 VLF in 2018 for the repair and maintenance of our existing sidewalk network. 

I-976 does not affect the new sidewalk sales tax measure approved by Shoreline voters in 2018. The new sidewalk program will be able to move ahead as expected.


The combined fees generated approximately $1.6 million per year. The loss of that funding affects the entire transportation program, as well as other City programs and services, as we will need to find that funding elsewhere in the budget or reduce or eliminate these maintenance programs.

The City Council is already considering nearly $1.3 million in budget holds including delaying equipment purchases, redirecting funds for park improvements, and reallocating projected budget savings towards the City’s annual road surface maintenance program.

Passage of I-976 will also significantly affect State transportation funding, particularly for transit and paratransit. The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), working with the State Legislature, will need to make decisions about how to maintain state highways, provide transportation options for individuals with disabilities, and more. State funding for local transportation projects, including ones in Shoreline, may be called into question in the coming months.

I-976 will also cut King County Metro funding, which in turn could affect routes serving Shoreline.

Finally, Sound Transit (ST) has indicated that the impacts to funding from I-976 will be significant as well.

While it is unlikely to impact the 2024 opening of light rail in Shoreline, other ST projects or programs, such as Bus Rapid Transit that is planned to serve our Shoreline South/145th Station, may be affected.

There is yet much to be determined about the impacts of this Initiative. Shoreline staff will be keeping an eye on developments and providing updated Shoreline-related information as we learn it.



Read more...

Shoreline seeks volunteers for Planning Commission and Landmarks / Heritage Commission

2019 Planning Commission
Help plan the future of Shoreline by serving on the Planning Commission!

The City Council is looking for volunteers to serve on the Planning Com-mission for four-year terms beginning in April 2020.

The volunteers who serve on the Shoreline Planning Commission provide recommendations to the City Council on land use, growth, and development issues.

The Commission addresses key questions that affect the quality of life in Shoreline, such as:
  • How should we balance new commercial and residential development with the desire to maintain the character of existing neighborhoods? 
  • How do we plan for a future that includes light rail? 
  • How can we encourage developers to use green building practices and provide affordable housing? 
  • How will the City allow alternate housing types that fit within our established neighborhoods?

No technical background or experience in land use is required. Important qualifications are an ability to listen and work well with others; a willingness to prepare and read staff reports prior to the meetings; and a commitment to regular attendance and active participation at the meetings.

The Shoreline Masonic Lodge
Photo by Steven H. Robinson
Help review and preserve historic structures in Shoreline by serving on the Landmarks and Heritage Commission!

The King County Landmarks and Heritage Commission is a nine-member citizen board charged with designating landmarks in unincorporated King County and in those cities and towns in King County that have entered into an interlocal agreement with the County for historical preservation services. 

The City Council is seeking to appoint a volunteer to serve on the Commission for all business conducted within the City of Shoreline. The Special Commissioner will serve a four-year term beginning in April 2020, with the option of serving a second four-year term.

The Commission is responsible for reviewing and deciding nominations for landmark designation; reviewing and deciding certificates of appropriateness for alterations to or demolition of landmark properties; developing policy and planning recommendations for King County’s historic preservation program; and attending periodic training sessions and conferences. 

The Special Member is to be an individual with a demonstrated interest and competence in historic preservation. The Special Member is a voting member on all matters relating to or affecting landmarks within the City of Shoreline.

Application details

Community Service Applications for both the Planning Commission and the Landmarks / Heritage Commission are available on the City's website or at City Hall. Submit your application by email to choekzema@shorelinewa.gov or mail it to:

City of Shoreline, City Clerk
17500 Midvale Avenue N
Shoreline, WA 98133

You can also drop it off in person to the City Clerk’s Office on the first floor of City Hall. Applications for both commissions are due by 5pm on Friday, January 10, 2020.

More Information:



Read more...

Veterans Day celebration at Shoreline City Hall Monday, Nov 11

Saturday, November 9, 2019

The Shoreline Veterans Association, with support from the Starr Sutherland, Jr. American Legion Post 227 and the City of Shoreline, will hold its annual Veterans Day Celebration honoring all U.S. military veterans. The event is open to the public.

The Shoreline Veterans Association, the Starr Sutherland, Jr. American Legion Post 227, and the City of Shoreline would like to recognize the contributions of the men and women in the military who have served our country and who have given so much for the cause of peace.

All veterans of any U.S. military service and all who want to honor their service are invited to this annual recognition event. A short program will be followed by refreshments.

Monday, November 11, 2019 at 2pm – 4pm
Shoreline City Hall, 17500 Midvale Ave N, 98133



Read more...

Shoreline's Prop 1 and Tim Eyman's car tabs initiative

Tuesday, November 5, 2019

By Diane Hettrick

Tim Eyman's initiative 976 to reduce car tabs to $30 is passing statewide with 55% of the votes in the first returns. The only counties where it is failing are King, Jefferson on the Olympic Peninsula, and Whatcom.

Because it is a state-wide initiative, it removes the ability of individual cities to fund local transportation projects with fees on car tabs.

If this trend continues it will have a devastating effect on local projects, like maintaining roads in Lake Forest Park, and building new sidewalks in Shoreline.

In Shoreline's Prop 1, to fund a municipal swimming pool and recreation center, the initial returns are as divided as the citizens have been on this controversial project.

In the first returns, the Yes vote is 4446 and the No vote is 4042, a difference of 404 votes.

The next returns will be released on Wednesday at 4pm.



Read more...

Shoreline City Council - first returns

By Diane Hettrick

In Shoreline City Council Position #2, incumbent Keith Scully is running 2:1 against challenger Vivian Collica.

In Position #6, Betsy Robertson will keep the seat she was appointed to in January, and Luis Berbesi will go back to expressing his opinions in the 3-minute public comment section of the council meetings.

In Position #4, which always was the race to watch, challenger David Chen and incumbent Deputy Mayor Doris McConnell are within a heartbeat of each other, with Chen leading ever so slightly by 77 votes. Chen led McConnell 2:1 in the primary, but Ginny Scantlebury threw her support to McConnell for the general election.

Even though only 22.75% of the ballots have been counted, I don't expect much shift in the Keith Scully and Betsy Robertson races.

However, I wouldn't be surprised if the Chen - McConnell race went down to the wire.

Some ballots will still be coming in through the mail as they simply had to be mailed by Tuesday, not received at King county elections.

The next returns will be released on Wednesday at 4pm.


Read more...

Shoreline’s Park, Recreation and Cultural Services Department earns National Accreditation

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

Parks staff and City council beam as
Jesus Aguirre presents the certification
to Mayor Will Hall
Photo courtesy City of Shoreline


BEST OF THE BEST!

Today, Shoreline celebrates becoming just the third city in Washington State to earn national accreditation through the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA) and the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA).

This esteemed accomplishment places Shoreline in the top 1% of Parks and Recreation agencies across the country!

Shoreline was granted this distinguished award on September 23 at the NRPA Annual Conference in Baltimore, MD. A formal presentation to the City Manager by Jesus Aguirre (NRPA Board Treasurer) took place during the October 14, 2019 Shoreline City Council meeting.

CAPRA accreditation is a measure of an agency’s overall quality of operation, management, and service to the community. This mark of distinction indicates that an agency has met 151 rigorous best practice standards related to the management and administration of parks and open spaces, facilities, resources, recreation programs, safety, and services.

“I applaud the commitment of city staff to providing the highest quality services to the residents of Shoreline,” stated City Manager Debbie Tarry. “I am very proud to work with such dedicated professionals and pleased that they have been judged by their peers from across the country to be following and implementing best practices.”

The process for accreditation involves a formal application, self-assessments, a site visit by a team of trained visitors that results in a written report, and a hearing with the CAPRA Commission to grant accreditation. Once accredited, the agency must uphold the standards by submitting an annual report and is reviewed again in five years.

The Commission is comprised of representatives from NRPA, the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration, the National Association of County Park and Recreation Officials, the International City/County Management Association, the Academy for Leisure Sciences, the Armed Forces Recreation Network, and the Council of State Executive Directors.

The National Recreation and Park Association is a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to ensuring that all Americans have access to parks and recreation for health, conservation and social equity. Through its network of 60,000 recreation and park professionals and advocates, NRPA encourages the promotion of healthy and active lifestyles, conservation initiatives and equitable access to parks and public space. Digital access to NRPA’s flagship publication, Parks and Recreation here.



Read more...

Shoreline says: Skip the straw

Thursday, September 19, 2019

From the City of Shoreline

An estimated 9 million tons of plastic end up in the ocean each year. If that trend continues, it’s anticipated that there will be more plastic than fish in the ocean by 2050!
 
Plastic straws are an item that most of us could live without. Plastic straws don’t biodegrade under natural conditions, and they can’t easily be recycled due to their small size. 

Many straws end up in our local streams and the ocean where they can pollute habitat for salmon, orcas and other species. 

According to Ocean Conservancy, plastic straws are one of the top ten items collected every year during their International Coastal Cleanup.

Reducing our use of single-use plastics, including straws, can help! The City is partnering with Ocean Conservancy to reduce plastic pollution and encourage Shoreline residents and businesses to “Skip the Straw.” Visit Skip the Straw to pledge today!

Individuals: Pledge not to use single-use plastic straws for the next 30 days. When ordering a drink, politely request “no straw, please.” Carry a reusable straw, such as one made from stainless steel, bamboo or glass. You can also pledge to ask your favorite restaurant to serve straws only on request. 

We’ll be updating an online map showing the number of individual pledges by neighborhood for a little friendly competition, so encourage your friends and family to participate!

Businesses: Businesses can pledge to only offer straws upon request and/or switch to reusable or compostable straws. Participating businesses will receive a window decal and display materials and be highlighted on social media. Businesses that sign the pledge can still offer flexible plastic drinking straws to customers who need them due to medical or physical conditions.



Read more...

Shoreline and Woodway release Draft Agreement regarding Point Wells

Friday, September 6, 2019

Courtesy City of Shoreline
From the City of Shoreline

In order to best represent the needs of our communities, the City of Shoreline and the Town of Woodway have agreed to unify our approach and work together to evaluate and address redevelopment of Point Wells. 

Earlier this year, both cities entered into mediation to develop an agreement to meet our mutual interests and concerns.

On Monday, Sept. 23, 2019 both city councils will review and discuss the proposed agreement at their respective council meetings. 

We encourage the public to review the agreement and provide comments. Woodway’s meeting will occur at 6pm and Shoreline’s will be at 7pm.

The agreement addresses numerous issues, including levels of service for transportation, annexation of Point Wells, development standards, and environmental considerations. We anticipate a final agreement will resolve existing areas of conflict between our two cities to the benefit of both communities and our taxpayers.

Although we are committed to resolving these issues in a collaborative manner, Point Wells is in unincorporated Snohomish County and BSRE’s Urban Center permit application is being processed by Snohomish County. 

Neither Shoreline nor Woodway are in control of the review and approval process. We also note a court recently ruled BSRE has until mid-December to attempt to correct deficiencies to their Urban Center permit application.

More information here

Settlement and Interlocal Agreement Between City of Shoreline and Town of Woodway



Read more...

Shoreline's urban shepherd

Monday, July 1, 2019

A noon time rest for Filbert and buddies
copyright, Marc Weinberg


Text and photos by Marc Weinberg


Seven years ago the City of Shoreline revised its commitment to the vegetation management plan to make it eco-friendly, green and sustainable.

It was through that effort that they discovered an innovative approach. The City Manager and staff contracted with Earthcraft Services. Each year since, particularly during the heavy growing season, Ed Portnow brings his herd of 12 hungry and happy goats to five sites the City selects to clear brush. 

Goats make us smile
copyright, Marc Weinberg


Their favorite job is to work on blackberries and other invasive species. They show up for work led by Filbert and followed by his team of hungry chaps like Nutmeg, Floppy, Mancha and others, each with a personality well suited to their names.

Ed says his team loves the van he uses for transportation and considers it their home as he delivers them from their pasture in Bothell (which they share with some horses) to the five work sites in Shoreline and elsewhere. 

Kayla and Rowan stop for a visit with the herd
copyright, Marc Weinberg


According to Ed and the City, both children and adults have responded favorably to seeing the goats and having an opportunity to watch them up close. When adequate fencing isn’t already installed on site, Ed sets up a temporary fence to define the work area and keep his herd contained.

If you stop to visit be sure to speak with Ed before reaching though the fence since sometimes it is electrified.

Pruning the low hanging branches of your apple tree at no extra cost
copyright, Marc Weinberg
 

Eric Bratton, Communications Program Manager at the City, confirmed that the cost of clearing unwanted foliage by “goat power versus people” is about the same, but the community response is so supportive and after multiple visits to the same site the goats have the advantage of also fertilizing as they go. 

This eco-friendly approach allows local grasses and indigenous plants an opportunity to survive. Ed says some of his goats have an enzyme in their stomach that actually kills the blackberry seeds. 

Tips of grass are much sweeter along Dayton Ave by 185th
 copyright, Marc Weinberg


Watch for the herd as you travel around town and know that you are always welcome to visit. The life of the “Urban Shepherd” as with that of others around the world can be a lonely and solitary one. 

Ed has interesting stories to tell about life with his goats. If you have property to be cleared… contact Ed and you can have an up-close creative, eco-friendly experience right at home.




Read more...

175th Street Corridor Improvements online Open House

Saturday, June 8, 2019

N 175th from Stone to I-5
Stone is very close to Aurora
Google

From the City of Shoreline

If you could not attend the 175th Street Corridor Improvement Project open house on May 21, you can still provide your input online! The online open house will be available until June 14. The City of Shoreline wants to hear from you.

Visit 175corridor.participate.online

We are planning to improve 175th Street between Stone Avenue N and I-5 to make it easier and safer for everyone. 

We are early in the design process. No decisions have been made. 

We are talking to people who live along the corridor to see what changes need to be made. We are also talking to local businesses, community organizations, and people who travel along 175th Street.



Read more...

Rob Beem honored upon retirement from City of Shoreline

Wednesday, April 3, 2019

Rob Beem in white shirt and tie
is honored as he retires from
The City of Shoreline
Photo by Steven H. Robinson


On Thursday, March 28, 2019, Rob Beem, Community Services Manager for the City of Shoreline, was honored with a gathering as he retires.

Staff and community members filled the council chamber to say goodbye.

Rob has worked for the City of Shoreline for 20 years. Before that, he spent 20 years at the City of Bellevue and City of Bellingham.

An entire contingent of former coworkers from Bellevue were present.

He doesn't have specific plans for retirement, but has mentioned the Grand Canyon!



Read more...

Green Shoreline Partnership kick off meeting Saturday with Forterra

Thursday, March 28, 2019

Hamlin Park
Photo by Seattle Poppy
Green Shoreline Partnership 
Kick Off Meeting
Saturday, March 30
10:00am to 12:00pm
Richmond Highlands Rec Center
16554 Fremont Avenue N

On Saturday, March 30, the City of Shoreline joins Forterra in kicking off the Green Shoreline Partnership. 

The Partnership will build upon our existing urban forest restoration efforts. 

It will establish a city-wide stewardship program to support long-term restoration and maintenance of Shoreline’s parks and open spaces. 

The Partnership will work to:
  • Enhance forest benefits and improve the quality of life and connections to nature for Shoreline residents;
  • Galvanize an informed and active community of stewards; and
  • Ensure long-term sustainable funding and community support of forest restoration efforts.

The Green Shoreline Partnership will bring together the City, Forterra, thousands of community volunteers, and local nonprofits and businesses to create a sustainable network of healthy forested parks and natural areas in Shoreline. 

It is part of the Green City Partnerships program, which unites cities across the Puget Sound in developing community-based stewardship programs to care for the valuable forests and natural areas in our urban environments. On-the-ground forest restoration projects and volunteer recruitment efforts will be funded in part through a 2019-2020 grant from The Nature Conservancy.

With a focus on regional sustainability, Forterra has been securing and caring for keystone places around Washington for thirty years. 

The Green City Partnerships began in 2004 when the City of Seattle and Forterra worked together to develop and implement a 20-year plan for restoring and maintaining Seattle’s 2,500 acres of forested parkland. 

The program model was so successful that Forterra began partnering with other cities. The Green City Partnerships now include Burien, Des Moines, Everett, Kent, Kirkland, Puyallup, Redmond, Seattle, Seatac, Shoreline, Snoqualmie, Tacoma, and Tukwila.



Read more...

City and School District in discussion about siting Community Center on school district property

Saturday, March 2, 2019

School district property on 1st Ave NE proposed for the CAC


By Diane Hettrick

The City of Shoreline and Shoreline Public Schools are in discussion about the siting of the new Community and Aquatics Center (CAC).

At the February 25, 2019 meeting of the school board, Athletics Director Don Dalziel and Superintendent Rebecca Miner updated the board on the current discussions.

At stake for the school district is the future of their high school swimming and diving programs. The CAC proposed by the City provided inadequate facilities for the swim teams - one of the few non-cut sports in high school.

The school district is offering a 50 year lease on their land north of the Shoreline Center for the CAC. To meet the City's needs, the land offer would include the property the current pool sits on, the tennis courts, rest rooms, and maintenance buildings, all of which would need to be relocated.

The school board approved proceeding with the discussions.

The City Council will take it up at their meeting on Monday, March 4th, with an item added to their agenda:

Agenda Item 7.c (Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Contract Amendment with WRNS Studio in the Amount of $45,000 for the Shoreline Community and Aquatics Center Alternative Site Analysis) has been added.
On February 25, 2019 the Shoreline School Board offered school district owned property as a potential location for the CAC.  This contract amendment would provide information necessary for the City to compare the 17828 Midvale Avenue N site with the site offered by the school district.

The original City planning called for the purchase of the storage facility near City Hall as the site of the CAC.




Read more...
ShorelineAreaNews.com
Facebook: Shoreline Area News
Twitter: @ShorelineArea
Daily Email edition (don't forget to respond to the Follow.it email)

  © Blogger template The Professional Template II by Ourblogtemplates.com 2009

Back to TOP