Jobs: WSDOT
Active Transportation - Transportation Engineer 2 (In-Training)
Closing Date/Time: Mon. 09/30/19 11:59 PM Pacific Time
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has a great opportunity for a motivated engineer who has strong technical skills, an aptitude for traffic analysis projects, and a keen interest in active transportation.
Shorewood girls basketball feeder program
- 5th Grade: Wednesday, October 2; 5:30-7pm at the SSF Gym. Registration opens at 5:00pm
- 6th Grade: Wednesday, September 25; 5:30-7pm at Spartan Gym. Registration opens at 5:15pm
- 7th Grade: Thursday, September 26; 7:30-9pm at the SSF Gym. Registration opens at 7:00pm
- 8th Grade: Thursday, September 26; 5:30-7pm at Spartan Gym. Registration opens at 5:15pm
SSF Gym Location: 14550 Westminster Way N, Shoreline 98133
Spartan Gym Location: 202 NE 185th St, Shoreline 98155
City of Shoreline hosting two informational meetings on Proposition 1
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| Location of proposed ShARCC and the four parks |
The city is hosting two informational meetings on Proposition 1.
Wed., Sept. 25
7:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Shoreline Library
345 NE 175th St.
Tues., Oct. 1
7:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Richmond Highlands Recreation Center
16554 Fremont Ave. N.
To learn more about Proposition 1, come to one of these informational sessions.
More information
Do you have a dollar? Please buy a book
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| Most books are $1 Photo by Lien Titus |
Most books are $1.
The sale is set up in two meeting rooms of the Shoreline Library, just off the lobby. 345 NE 175th St, 98155.
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| Volunteers were still sorting books in this room Photo by Lien Titus |
The sale starts on Friday, 5pm - 9pm, as a pre-sale for members. However, you can join on the spot and shop immediately.
Saturday sales from 10am to 4pm.
Sunday is the Bag Sale, 11am to 3pm. They'll sell you a grocery bag for $4 and you can fill it up with anything at the sale!
You can buy enough books to last through the long, cold winter. Just pull up a heating source and a furry animal and don't leave the house until spring.
EPA names UW Bothell Professor to list of clean air experts
Thursday, September 19, 2019
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| Dan Jaffe, UW professor named to EPA air quality experts Photo courtesy UW Bothell |
The 12 experts will assist the federal agency’s Chartered Clean Air Advisory Committee, providing technical expertise in a review of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for particulate matter and ozone.
Jaffe is an expert both on ozone, a key ingredient of smog, and on particulate matter, the tiny bits in smoke that may be breathed deep into the lungs.
“This appointment represents an opportunity to use my scientific expertise to support the EPA’s decision-making,” Jaffe said.
“The long-term goal should be that our environmental laws, rules and regulations be based on the best available science and be designed to protect public health with an adequate margin of safety.”
Jaffe also is a recognized expert on the global transport of pollutants through the atmosphere. He leads research into local, regional and global pollution sources in the western United States. In addition, he is chair of the Physical Sciences Division in UW Bothell’s School of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
“Dr. Jaffe is known internationally as an expert on air pollution and especially on ozone. We’re delighted that the EPA has recognized his work and that he is able to add his voice to the decision-making process,” said Marc Servetnick, acting dean of the School of STEM.
The EPA clean air committee had requested additional experts. The EPA administrator selected them from people who were publicly nominated.
Customer information night at Expedia CruiseShipCenter in LFP
Come and learn about their state-of-the-art ships, cruising iconic European rivers, and spectacular destinations along the way.
The session will be held at our Lake Forest Park office, 17171 Bothell Way NE, upper level (facing Ballinger Way). Light refreshments will be served.
Call our office to RSVP 206-347-8777.
Read more...
Obituary: Stephanie Rae Stewart
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| Stephanie Rae Stewart |
Stephanie passed away (at 36) peacefully surrounded by her family’s love, after her gracious and courageous 16 month battle of stage IV cancer.
She is survived by her parents Jeff and Bev Stewart also of Shoreline; her sister Shawna Hawkins (Dan) and their son Cameron; her brother Brandon; her grandma Joan Breda; as well as many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
She graduated from Shorewood HS (Shoreline) in 2001. She worked for her grandma's business (The Kidswim Pool in Lake City 2000-2002) before and while working at the Hurray For Me School (now Horizon) in Richmond Beach from 2002-2011.
We will greatly miss her infectious smile and the sound of her laughter along with her having such a kind, positive, thankful and uplifting heart to all that knew her; we know she made a difference in the lives of many! We will cherish our time with her forever and will surely miss her all the rest of our days.
Shoreline says: Skip the straw
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.
Annual vintage and doll event Saturday at Shoreline Bargain Boutique
The Seattle Children's Bargain Boutique will hold a vintage and doll event at their store in Shoreline Place (lower level by northeast corner) on Saturday, September 21, 2019 from 6-8pm.
The event will feature a vintage fashion show. vintage items and antiques, and collectible dolls.
There will be a vintage fashion show, live music, and light refreshments.
15835 Westminster Way NE, Shoreline 98133.
Read more...
Apply Now for Holiday Crafts Fairs at Third Place Commons
Both crafts fairs will take place from 10am to 3pm on the lower level of the Town Center at Lake Forest Park in conjunction with special, indoor pre-holiday editions of the Lake Forest Park Farmers Market. (The farmers market will take place upstairs in the Commons.)
Applications for these competitive, juried events must be received by Tuesday, October 8th for guaranteed consideration.
All items must be handmade in Washington by the individuals selling at the market. Artists and crafters of all media are encouraged to apply to represent a broad spectrum of creative endeavors.
Get more information and download the application here.
The Lake Forest Park Farmers Market and Holiday Crafts Fairs are presented by Third Place Commons, a community-supported, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to creating real community in real space. Learn more at ThirdPlaceCommons.org.
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Red Sky Gallery grand opening Saturday in Lake Forest Park
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| Paintings on the wall. Jewelry in and on the cabinets, made of metal, semi-precious stones, wood |
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| Large Debbie Tomassi paintings line this wall |
Red Sky is a large, open space with a lofty ceiling and bright, white walls filled with art works by local artists.
Debbie Tomassi, Marjorie Thompson, Kathy Collins, and Blanche Niznik are familiar names - artists who live in Lake Forest Park. There are a dozen more in the gallery.
All of the artists will be at the Grand Opening, as well as a jazz duo, wine, cheese, and chocolate from The Chocolate Man.
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| Karen Dedrickson will demonstrate sumi-e technique at the grand opening - black ink on white paper |
Featured artist Karen Dedrickson will demonstrate the sumi-e Japanese art style of black ink on paper.
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| Laura Michaelson next to a ceramic flower |
She had remodeled her kitchen by herself, so had no qualms about taking down a wall to combine two spaces at Town Center. She laid the flooring and built a set of display boxes. She painted, and created moveable divider walls.
There is a special gift shop section as well as many small pieces of art and several jewelry artists.
"We have a number of pieces in the affordable price range, suitable for gifts."
There are a lot of birds in the paintings and ravens are a frequent theme.
Laura has already connected with all the shops alongside hers, and a few downstairs like The Chocolate Man.
Cartoon: International Talk Like A Pirate Day
International Talk Like a Pirate Day. September 19.
Every wonder where it came from? I always thought it was from an advertising campaign.
But the origin story is charming and funny. It involves a couple of guys playing racquetball - and Dave Barry. Read it here.
Now where's my parrot?
DKH
Tennis: Shorecrest vs Jackson
Jackson 4 - Shorecrest 1
Shorecrest overall 0-3
Shorecrest players listed first
Singles
- Ben Silber (11) vs Brady Thomas (11) 0-6 0-6 L
- Zaid Khan (10) vs David Hyun (11) 3-6 4-6 L
- Calvin Rice (10) vs Ethan Thong (12) 2-6 6-3 11-9 W
- Owen Pierce (10) vs David Barr (11) 6-7 (0-7) 4-6 L
Doubles
- John Burke (11) / Tyler Keen (12) vs Jace Marquardt (11) / Daniel Anderson (11) 1-6 5-7 L
- Carson Hart (11) / Ben Wendt (11) vs Diego Spencer (12) / Ryan Contreras (11) 1-6 0-6 L
- Connor Wakefield (10) / Matthew Gardiner (10) vs Carlos Dean (12) / McKay Redd (11) 2-6 0-6 L
--Coach Rob Mann
Read more...
Tennis: Shorewood vs Glacier Peak
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| Shorewood tennis team Photo by Kristi Lin |
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| High 5 - Steven Lin and Coach Arnie Moreno Photo by Kristi Lin |
Singles
- Dario Ristorski GP def. Steven Lin SW 6-2, 6-2
- Chris Combs SW def. Kyia Nget GP 4-6, 6-4, 6-2
- Jason Yer GP def. Ben Borgida SW 2-6, 6-2, 6-2
- Stuart Man GP def. David Lin SW 6-3, 6-1
- Landon Jones / Isler GP def. Ari Webb / Erik Ertsgaard SW 4-6, 6-4, 6-4
- Derick Han / Niko Christianson def. Hayden Clark / Trent Carlson GP 5-7, 7-6 (7-4), 6-4
- Sam Perkowski / Jackson Carroll SW def. Robby Box / Noah Singily GP 4-6, 6-1, (10-5)
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| Captain Ari Webb and Steven Lin on left with coach and players from Glacier Peak Photo by Kristi Lin |
--Coach Arnie Moreno
Climate strike / march Friday at 8am
On September 20, 2019 three days before the UN Climate Summit in New York City, young people and adults will strike all across the US and world to demand transformative action be taken to address the climate crisis. Millions will take the streets to demand a right to a future.
GET DETAILS and RSVP
A different group will be Sign Waving in Shoreline on Friday, September 20, 2019 at 5:00pm at N 180th and Midvale (by bus stop)18001 Midvale Ave N, Shoreline 98133
Students across the world have been leading the way in calling for action on climate change, feeling that it is their future which is being lost, while leaders fail to act.
Deal on musical improv tickets - but don't hesitate
Bothell, WA 98011
Simply use the code IMPROV during online or phone purchase.
Discount tickets are $21 for adults, $17.50 for seniors/military and just $7.50 for youth 17 and under.
Get your tickets here. Make sure to note that the ticket link is on the upper left hand side of the page.
The audience members write down made up song titles and our master improvisers gather these suggestions and present them as “nominated songs” for this coveted award.
Don’t miss the next great American musical - it could be written by YOU!
Have I got a deal for you - 75% off everything at the Bargain Corner
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| Treasures await you! |
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Follow up: shooting at 4-Corners was a suicide attempt
Wednesday, September 18, 2019
~~~~~~~~~~~
According to Sgt. Ryan Abbott of the King County Sheriff's Office, the shooting at the 4-Corners' Rite Aid was a suicide attempt. (see previous article)
The young man, in his 20s, was taken to Harborview by Shoreline Fire. Major Crimes has closed their investigation.
Read more...
Photo: Mums at Sky Nursery
| Photo by Wayne Pridemore |
Wayne Pridemore went to Sky to photograph the Cactus and Succulent show, which he did. But he couldn't resist these beautiful mums.
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Lunch on the Eurodam
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| The Eurodam was docked in downtown Seattle |
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| This dining area has beautiful views |
The complimentary in-port luncheon was organized by Expedia Cruise Ship Center in Town Center, Lake Forest Park at the intersection of Bothell and Ballinger Way.
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| Holland America President Orlando Ashford stopped to chat |
Holland America President Orlando Ashford relocated to Seattle in 2015. He was celebrating his birthday today, while visiting with prospective cruisers.
The ship has a swimming pool under skylights, with comfortable lounging chairs poolside.
Downed power lines in LFP Tuesday morning
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| NE 190th and 32nd NE Tree brought down power lines |
Westbound Route 331 to Shoreline was rerouted in Lake Forest Park due to the downed power lines on NE 190th St near 32nd Av NE just north of Ballinger Way.
City Light was able to repair the lines and restore service without much delay.
Read more...
Three free literary events in October
2017 conference attendee chats with speaker Windy Lynn Harris at annual WOTS Book Signing Reception (Photo credit: Shannon Black Creative)
There are three public/free admission opportunities to participate in Edmonds Arts Commission’s Write on the Sound writers’ conference.
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| WOTS Book Signing Reception onsite bookshop (Photo credit: Shannon Black Creative) |
The conference reception is presented by the City of Edmonds Arts Commission with generous support from Windermere Real Estate Edmonds.
A list of speakers and presenters is here
Enjoy hearing conference attendees and presenters read five minutes each from their fiction, nonfiction or poetry.
The event is open to the public, 6:00 - 8:00pm.
Readers sign up at the door.
Café Louvre is located at 210 5th Ave S.
Live and Local for Saturday September 21, 2019
There's a lot of live and local music to choose from each weekend. Most venues have food, some have dancing. Most have a cover charge and require reservations. All have great local bands and entertainment!
This Saturday, September 21, 2019 here's what's happening
NORTH CITY BISTRO and WINE SHOP
Magic Circle - $15 Cover - 8pm - 10:30pm
North City Bistro and Wine Shop, 1520 NE 177th St, Shoreline 98155,
Call 206-365-4447 or go to website and fill out the simple reservation request form in order to secure seats for the show. Then buy your tickets here.
Magic Circle plays an infectious variety of celebratory jazz from S. Africa, Brazil, the Caribbean and US!
This uplifting group, led by drummer/percussionist Jeff 'Bongo' Busch, features the marvelously
versatile rhythm section of 'Dino Latino' on bass, Julio Jauregui on piano, Ted Dortch on Sax, Jerome Smith on Brass and Frank Anderson on percussion and vocals.
Oktoberfest at Aurora Borealis: with live music from Platinum Spandex!
$10 cover - 9 - 11:59pm - Tickets - 21+
The Aurora Borealis 16708 Aurora Ave N, 206-629-5744.
Come celebrate Oktoberfest with us on Saturday September 21st at Aurora Borealis. Platinum Spandex will be kicking out the jams all night. We will have food and drink specials from big pretzels to kielbasa with sauerkraut! And most important of all BEER, BEER, and more BEER.
DARRELL'S TAVERN
Rest As Mutes, Sky Giants, Projections on a Wall, Nijlpaard
8pm - 1am - $7 cover - 21+
Darrell's Tavern 18041 Aurora Ave N. 206-542-6688.
Heavy rock metal and punk bands at Shoreline's own Dive Bar. Live music, vintage decor, pizza, tacos, hotdogs, and free pool.
Rest as Mutes is having a celebration for the world-wide electronic release of our second record -- A Secret History of Our Future! The LP is a concept record about a fictional witch trial in Colonial America and serves as a cautionary tale of ideological possession and mob rule. This is what happens when we see the world through a lens of hate, fear and anger as opposed to love, compassion and wonder.
EASY MONKEY TAPHOUSE
Seattle Houserockers - $7 cover - 8pm - 10pm
Easy Monkey Taphouse, 17537 15th Ave NE B. 206-420-1326.
From gut-bucket blues to a get-down funk number, this band covers all the bases. Classic R/B, New Orleans Beat, swing, boogie and straight ahead blues are all served up with feeling. After decades of performing and contributing to dozens of recordings, the Seattle Houserockers just might be bringing their infectious, rockin’ sounds to a neighborhood near you.
Members of the Seattle Houserockers are journeyman professional musicians who have performed at festivals and in clubs all over the world.
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| Mach One Jazz Orchestra at Third Place Saturday |
THIRD PLACE COMMONS
Mach One Jazz Orchestra - FREE and family friendly. 7:30 - 9:30pm
Third Place Commons Town Center, intersection of Bothell and Ballinger Way NE in Lake Forest Park.
A great group of hepcats - Bellevue’s hot 17-piece variety jazz band is sure to get you on your feet, playing the gamut from popular dance to swanky swing dance tunes. Seattle's most exciting Variety Big Band. Swingin' at the Speed of Sound! The MachOne Jazz Orchestra has performed for local dance and park concert events, and is one of the most sought-after groups for fundraisers, weddings and other special events.
Read more...
Jobs: Shoreline Community College
Program Manager – Gender Equity Center
Date of first consideration: October 14, 2019
Complete description and application here
Application materials and information on this and other open positions can be found online. Questions regarding employment at the College may be directed to HR by email or by phone at 206-546-4769.
Padres unidos - familias seguras
Los temas que cubrimos son los problemas que seguimos viendo en nuestras comunidades. En particular el uso de drogas asĂ como el suicidio y el abuso sexual de menores son temas de los cuales todo padre debe estar informado. No espere a tener el problema para buscar informaciĂłn. La clave es la prevenciĂłn.
El Departamento de PolicĂa de Shoreline te invita a la serie de 6 talleres en Español donde aprenderás de estos temas, como identificarlos y como abordarlos.
Recibirás un certificado al completar los talleres. No tienen costo. Incluye cuidado de niños.
El cupo es limitado. Para registrarte llama al (206) 801-2719 o envĂa un correo electrĂłnico a Dahlia.corona@kingcounty.gov
Shoreline Elks: Hidden Treasures Rummage Sale Sept 28
Our friends at the American Legion Auxiliary Post 227 are also planning a Rummage Sale to benefit Veterans at the Legion Hall at 14521 17th Ave. NE, Shoreline on Sept. 26,27 and 28 from 10am - 4pm.
Edmonds Sons of Norway hosts Pancake Breakfast and Bake Sale Oct 5th
The breakfasts are one of the largest fundraisers for the lodge. Proceeds support the Edmonds Food Bank, Ski for Light outings for mobility and sight impaired skiers, scholarships and the Sons of Norway Foundation. Eat great food while supporting lodge programs and local organizations.
The Sons of Norway is the largest Norwegian organization outside of Norway with a mission of preserving and promoting Norwegian heritage and tradition through cultural and social activities offered at local and district lodges. The organization will be celebrating its 125th anniversary on January 16, 2020!
For more information about the Edmonds Chapter of the Sons of Norway (Norwegian ancestry NOT required) contact 2019 Lodge President Norma Jean Sands 206-524-6020 or visit their webpage.
Agenda for Shoreline City Council Sept 23 meeting
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| Shoreline City Hall and Council Chamber Photo by Steven H. Robinson |
Study Item 8a Discussion of Proposed Settlement and Interlocal Agreement Between the City of Shoreline and Town of Woodway
Recently the Court of Appeals overturned a favorable ruling by the Superior Court that had determined that Point Wells was part of the Ronald Wastewater District (RWD) service area. RWD is appealing this decision and has asked for review by the Washington State Supreme Court. Most of the current existing litigation between Shoreline and Woodway is about the issues of RWD service area at Point Wells. Staff recommends that the Council review and discuss the proposed Settlement and Interlocal Agreement between the two cities.
Study Item 8b Discussing Ordinance No. 867 – Amending Section 8.12.395 of the Shoreline Municipal Code to Include E-cigarette’s (Vaping) as Prohibited Activities
This amendment would include e-cigarettes within SMC8.12.395’s prohibition of smoking and tobacco use in parks.
--Pam Cross
Read more...
Notes from Shoreline council meeting Sept 16, 2019
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| Shoreline City Hall and Council Chamber Photo by Steven H. Robinson |
September 16, 2019
Notes by Pam Cross
Mayor Hall called the meeting to order at 7:00pm
All councilmembers were present.
Mayor Hall declared 09/21/2019 Mayor’s Day of Concern for the Hungry in the City of Shoreline.
The proclamation was presented to James Pabiniak, Hopelink Shoreline’s Food Bank Supervisor.
The Mayor also thanked the Twin Ponds and Sunset volunteers who grow fresh vegetables for the food bank at their community gardens.
Report of the City Manager Debbie Tarry
Sept 23, 2019 - 2:00pm - 3:30pm Under Our Skin: Conversations About Race. Join in a discussion on race and inclusion using the Seattle Times “Under Our Skin” video project at Dale Turner Family Y in the Rotary Room. This session will focus on the terms: ally, micro aggression and white fragility.
Park volunteer work parties are Saturdays and Sundays in September. This week work parties will be held at Richmond Beach Saltwater Park, Twin Ponds, and Hamlin. Additional details including times and meeting locations available online.
Public Reminders
The Planning Commission meeting scheduled for Sept 19th has been cancelled. The next meeting will be on Oct 3rd.
Council Reports
Councilmember Scully attended a Continuum of Care homelessness advisory meeting. The focus now is working out the details between Seattle and King County. Once this major central piece is in place and running smoothly, attention can be turned to extending the system to Shoreline and other cities.
Councilmember Roberts stated that Sound Cities Association had a robust discussion at their meeting prior to the Continuum of Care meeting. There was concern that this process is not going as fast as expected.
Public Comment
Zhen Li, Kenmore, has 3 parcels of land in Shoreline around 145th. Sound Transit will take about 20’ of this property which will impact his planned project. He wants to see what can be done to protect his interests. Council doesn’t answer questions during public comment, but will ask staff to contact him.
Theresa LaCroix, Shoreline. The senior center worked to create greater inclusion and diversity in programming for underserved groups in 2018 when one-time bond funding was proposed by King County. In 2019 this was changed to a competitive hub process.
Ginny Scantlebury, Shoreline, picked up the same topic, listing the various and numerous projects that are now on hold because of lack of funding. (This list of projects is available online in written comments for this meeting)
Mike Dee, Lake Forest Park. He appreciates that Shoreline is talking about slowing down the process while the City reviews how the Fircrest proposed Master Plan fits in with its codes.
The agenda was approved unanimously.
The Consent Calendar was adopted, without discussion, unanimously.
Action Items
8(a) Public Hearing and Discussion of Ordinance No. 865: Amending the City of Shoreline Commute Trip Reduction Plan
Staff report by Nytasha Walters, Transportation Services Manager
Shoreline is required to have a Commute Trip Reduction (CTR) Plan because it is located in a county experiencing the greatest automobile-related air pollution and traffic congestion. The aim is to develop and implement plans to reduce single-occupant vehicle trips. The CTR Plan must be updated at least once every four years per state law. The current Plan has an effective period through the 2015-2019. Staff would like to utilize the state CTR Board exemption by extending the City’s current CTR Plan for the 2019-2023 cycle without any additional updates, allowing a thorough review of the plan’s targets and program strategies over the next few years as staff updates the Transportation Master Plan.
Public Comment
Mike Dee, Lake Forest Park, appreciates that there’s a hearing so the public can comment on it.
Closed public hearing
Discussion
Councilmembers support the extension in order to look at the Transportation Master Plan at the same time. Shoreline should take advantage of the available extension. If no changes are necessary, there is no need to update. This is good government efficiency.
Ordinance moved to the Consent Calendar.
Study Items
9(a) Discussing Ordinance No. 868 – Establishing a Citywide Moratorium on the Filing, Acceptance, Processing, and/or Approval of Applications for Master Plan Development Permits and Applications for Essential Public Facility Special Use Permits
Staff report by Rachael Markle, Planning and Community Development Director
Staff recommends that Council consider a citywide moratorium on the acceptance of applications for Master Development Plan (MDP) permits and Essential Public Facility (EPF) Special Use Permits.
Staff has worked with the State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) on other attempts to Master Plan the Fircrest Campus that have not progressed to the application phase. However, the recent Fircrest Master Development Plan (MDP) includes the expansion of existing uses on the campus, new uses that would support persons with developmental disabilities, and the siting of Behavioral Health Facilities. These had not been previously contemplated by the City.
Additionally, other state agencies have expressed interest in advancing their missions on the Fircrest Campus.
Staff determined that the City’s strongest tools for local control over current and future uses of property within its boundaries are zoning, permitting, and development standards.
A moratorium will allow staff time to study the current approval criteria for permit types in relationship to the City’s goals and policies, and determine and adopt adequate and relevant processes to best evaluate a plan that includes the siting of an Essential Public Facility. This decision is based on these considerations:
- Master Development Plan permit decision criteria may be outdated
- Master Development Plan permit criteria may not be adequate for siting Essential Public Facilities
- Master Development Plan permit process may not be the best method to conduct multi-agency planning
- New uses from the State Legislature are not yet defined and regulated locally (i.e., Behavioral Health Facilities)
- The City’s process for siting an Essential Public Facility is unclear
- Clear and robust decision criteria is needed as a guide for the Hearing Examiner
Staff recommends the City hold a public hearing on 10/07/2019 and implement a 6-month citywide moratorium on the acceptance of applications for Master Development Plan (MDP) permits and Essential Public Facility (EPF) Special Use Permits.
Discussion
This has been an interesting journey. For years the Fircrest property has been completely underutilized. Then the City received one map and, shortly thereafter, another completely different map. After years of inactivity, the State is moving faster than anticipated. This landscape will keep changing, and the City can’t keep putting off a decision by implementing a moratorium every time DSHS comes back with a new plan. What happens if the State calls it Essential Public Services? There are lots of questions about what DSHS is proposing. We don’t know what a Behavioral Health Facility is or what it looks like. Is that type of facility allowed within current campus zones? DSHS wants three independent 16-bed facilities side by side, presumably because of Federal funding of 16 bed facilities. If the intent of federal law is to not concentrate them in one place by limiting to 16 beds, then thwarting that does not achieve the federal goal.
This is a large property located in Shoreline so Council has to protect the property and the community. The State is not as responsive to the community as the City is, because our systems are set up to protect the community. The moratorium would give Council the opportunity to hear from the community. With multiple property owners and divergent interests, a moratorium will also give all of the property owners time to come to some kind of agreement.
CRISTA and Shoreline CC, the other campuses in Shoreline, tried to use their land as efficiently as they could. Land is scarce especially within walking distance of light rail. But this latest approach from DSHS does not seem efficient. Also, the current Master Development Plan permit process is not designed to mediate between State agencies. We have part of the land owned by one state agency and leased to another, one independent elected official vs a governor appointed department secretary. It is messy. The community must have a chance to weigh in. However, we must keep in mind that the City will have to deal with these state agencies in the future so we don’t want a legal land use battle with State.
As part of the process for approving a Master Development Plan, we should consider the layout of the land, maximize needs of the community and preserve open space in order to maintain a good quality of life. In the most recent map, there is no public open space, no public benefit, and who knows what the legislature will want to add? This makes it difficult for the City to trust our partners.
Do we need a moratorium to change the code? If we allow ourselves 6 months, we can get some of these items done by the 12/31/2019 deadline. The DSHS secretary has requested a meeting for October 14th. Maybe there will be progress at that meeting so we can determine whether or not we want a moratorium.
Per Margaret King, Shoreline City Attorney, we can always remove a Moratorium in the event the 10/14 meeting changes anything.
This Ordinance is scheduled for October 7th for Hearing and action.
Meeting adjourned at 7:28pm
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Councilmember Rod Dembowski: Senior Center Funding Update
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Rod and Dwight Stevens,
past Chair of the Shoreline Veterans Association,
at the Shoreline Veterans Memorial Plaza,
outside of Shoreline City Hall.
Photo courtesy King County
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My 91 year-old Dad, Alfred, who often joins me at Shoreline veterans events, is a regular visitor to his local senior centers.
It’s why I’ve worked to secure significant new investments for senior centers and their programs in North King County and why I share the concerns of many, recently expressed, regarding a new county grant program where the Shoreline-LFP Senior Center, along with a dozen others in King County, was not awarded its full-funding request.
In 2005, my predecessor on the King County Council, Bob Ferguson, advanced for the first time a proposal for a King County Veterans and Human Services levy, to make critical investments in veterans and human services programs that had suffered cuts with the county’s declining general fund resulting from the 1% cap on property tax collections. The County had cut nearly all human service program funding. Voter-approved excess levies were, and remain today, the only currently viable means to fund such programs.
Voters adopted Bob’s proposal, and renewed it in 2011. In 2017, for the first time, the levy was expanded to include a variety of investments in programs and services to serve seniors countywide.
Voters passed it overwhelmingly. King County now had significant funds to invest in senior centers and other programs serving this rapidly growing segment of our population. With dedicated funds now available, since 2017, I have facilitated the granting of $175,000 in King County money to the Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Senior Center to support its necessary and important work.
While significant, this funding stream was never designed to take the place of local government, fee-for-service, and other funding; it is additive to those traditional sources.
The King County Council does not, as a general rule, choose grant recipients. No single county councilmember picks winners or losers. Instead, programs and budgets are approved, and the Department of Community and Human Services solicits proposals and awards funds on a competitive basis. Not prevailing doesn’t mean that a program isn’t valuable or worthy; it means that there isn’t enough taxpayer money to meet 100% of the need.
For this Senior Hubs strategy, the proposal from Shoreline (which partnered with Ballard and West Seattle) was not selected as a Hub by the county’s grant review panel. I’m told that the Shoreline proposal asked for $360,000 over four years. Rather than award no funds, King County awarded $90,000. This was in addition to a grant of $75,000 last year, 100% of the Center’s request, and $10,000 I secured to expand senior fitness classes in the 2017-2018 budget.
Recent communications to Shoreline and Lake Forest Park residents have stated that the county did not grant the Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Senior Center any funds. This is false. For the first time in decades, King County is investing significant sums in our senior centers, as well as senior programs like home repair, transportation, meals, and other services, more broadly. While I understand and share the disappointment in not being selected in the competitive process for Hub-level funding, these new county funds are on-the-whole, good news, not bad.
Related communication has also, in some cases, argued that Shoreline and Lake Forest Park have been left out of other King County levies. This is also false; I’ve made sure that we have not been left out. I have consistently advocated for, and secured, tens of millions of dollars of King County investments in children, youth, mobility, environmental, parks, trails, open space, clean water, housing, and human services programs and projects for North King County, including in Shoreline and Lake Forest Park.
There is no doubt that the Shoreline‑LFP Senior Center needs more investment, and I will continue to work to secure more funding.
I welcome your comments and suggestions on this or any other topic. Feel free to write (rod.dembowski@kingcounty.gov) or call (206-477-1001) anytime.
Rod Dembowski represents North King County on the King County Council. He is serving as Chair of the Council for 2019, He also serves on the Budget and Fiscal Management Committee, Mobility and Environment Committee, Health Housing and Human Services Committee, Government Accountability and Oversight Committee, Regional Water Quality Committee, and Regional Policy Committee. Since joining the Council in 2013, he has never missed a vote, casting 5,107 consecutive votes as of September 17, 2019.
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