Graduation Videos for Shorecrest and Shorewood premiere on June 27

Friday, June 19, 2020


Photos courtesy Shoreline Public Schools

While this was definitely not the senior year that the Class of 2020 at Shorewood and Shorecrest High Schools had in mind when they started the school year, they persevered and were celebrated for their accomplishments.

 

Because King County moved into “modified Phase 1” of Washington’s “Safe Start” reopening plan, Shorecrest and Shorewood graduates were able to participate in individual graduation ceremonies with their families on June 15-16 at their schools.



The ceremonies were videotaped, along with student and staff speeches and performances, which will be used to create graduation videos that will premiere online on Saturday, June 27.



The Shorecrest video will premiere at 2pm and Shorewood at 6pm. After the videos premiere, they will be available to watch anytime.



Links to watch the video premieres will be posted on the Shoreline School District website and social media pages on June 25.



The entire Shoreline and Lake forest Park community is invited watch the online video premieres and join in celebrating the incredible Class of 2020 for all they have accomplished and overcome!



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Shoreline Juneteenth creates Oral History Project through social media exhibition

Cover photo from Shoreline's Public Art page


For the Juneteenth holiday 2020, the City of Shoreline has unveiled what will be an ongoing social media exhibition of curated videos created by Black Lives Matter Shoreline and the City’s Public Art Program

Members of Black Lives Matter Shoreline are interviewing family, friends, neighbors, and community leaders and posting short videos online. The videos focus on how families celebrate Juneteenth as well as what it means and why it is important. 

The exhibition is organized as a Facebook Group on the City’s Public Art Facebook page. You will need a Facebook account to view the exhibition.

Officially opened on June 19, the project will continue for several weeks as residents post more stories. In future years, the project may expand to become an oral history project in conjunction with the Shoreline Historical Museum.

Also known as Freedom Day, Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas and read General Orders, Number 3 informing the people of Texas that all slaves were free. 

President Lincoln had issued the Emancipation Proclamation freeing slaves in the Confederate States almost three years before. Juneteenth was quickly followed by the ratification of the 13th Amendment, abolishing slavery. 

Juneteenth became a holiday in Texas in 1980 and is celebrated today for the ways in which it shows how far we have come as a nation in the past and how far we have to go in the present. In recognition of Juneteenth and its importance for all Americans, Shoreline Public Art is curating a gathering of voices celebrating the holiday and exploring its significance.

For more information, contact Shoreline’s Public Art Coordinator David Francis at dfrancis@shorelinewa.gov or Black Lives Matter Shoreline at blacklivesmattershoreline@gmail.com.



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Thursday's sunset

Photo by Mary Igl


And for your viewing pleasure - Thursday evening's sunset.




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Friday is Juneteenth



"Juneteenth marks the day in 1865 when a group of enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, finally learned that they were free from the institution of slavery. 

"But, woefully, this was almost two and a half years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation; the Civil War was still going on, and when it ended, Union Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger traveled to Texas and issued an order stating that all enslaved people were free, establishing a new relationship between “former masters and slaves” as “employer and hired labor.” 

"As much as Juneteenth represents freedom, it also represents how emancipation was tragically delayed for enslaved people in the deepest reaches of the Confederacy."





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Trapping for gypsy moths in Shoreline

Gypsy moth trap on tree in north Shoreline
Photo by Debbie Seger



The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) began its annual hunt for pests that threaten the state’s environment and agriculture industry on June 1.

Trappers are setting thousands of traps statewide to monitor for the introduction or spread of over 120 invasive pests and diseases, including gypsy moth, Asian giant hornet, apple maggot and Japanese beetle.

Gypsy Moth Detection Trap - please let me be
Photo by Debbie Seger

State law gives WSDA authority to trap for invasive pests on private property. In the past, trappers would nevertheless attempt to obtain permission from property owners before hanging traps. This year, due to COVID-19 concerns, WSDA has a “no knock” policy, and trappers will place traps without first contacting homeowners. This is to protect both the community and WSDA employees.

Traps in Shoreline have generally been placed on trees near the street.

Gypsy moth
Photo courtesy WSDA



The agency continues its decades-long survey for gypsy moths and trappers will place approximately 20,000 gypsy moth traps statewide this summer. This will include intensive trapping in areas in Snohomish County that were treated for gypsy moths in May to ensure the gypsy moths were eradicated in those areas. (see previous article)

This is the culprit that munches through forests
Photo courtesy WSDA


Gypsy moths pose a significant risk not only to agriculture in the state but also threaten Washington’s forests, parks and cityscapes. Gypsy moths cause extensive ecological damage by eating more than 500 kinds of trees and shrubs and have been known to defoliate entire forests.

There is a strongly scented attractant circle visible inside the box.
Photo by Debbie Seger

In 2018, for example, Massachusetts lost a quarter of all their hardwood trees in the state, including three of every four oak trees. Gypsy moths also reproduce rapidly, each female laying 1,000 eggs or more, meaning early detection and eradication is critical to controlling this invasive species.



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Parkwood Elementary awarded $20,000 grant from Symetra

Parkwood Elementary
Photo courtesy Shoreline Schools


Symetra Life Insurance Company recently awarded Parkwood Elementary a $20,000 MVP Award grant as part of its Heroes in the Classroom program.

Parkwood was eligible to apply for the grant program because it had one or more teachers who were selected by Symetra and the Seattle Seahawks as Heroes in the Classroom during the 2019-2020 school year. Earlier this school year, Parkwood teachers Carla Salmon and Renee Iverson were honored as part of that program.

The ability to apply for the MVP Award grant came at the right time for Parkwood, according to Principal Ann Torres. 

“As part of our ongoing work around race and equity, we engaged in an audit of who we saw reflected in our school and classroom libraries, as well as in the artwork and posters in our school,” said Torres. 

While 55 percent of Parkwood students are students of color, and 27 percent speak a language other than English as their primary language, they found that the percentage of books and artwork that represented or featured a main character who was a person of color was low.
“After we looked at the results of the audit, a strong desire emerged to improve our libraries and art to better represent the diversity of our student body,” said Torres.

From this sprung the “I See Me!” project that they developed to apply for the MVP Award grant. “I See Me!” leverages Parkwood’s existing race and equity work by taking it directly to students and affirming their identities in a positive, impactful way. 

The MVP Award grant will equip all 22 classrooms and the school library with books, play materials and artwork that reflect racial diversity to help ensure that Parkwood students see themselves reflected in the stories they read and materials they study.

“Positive self-concept is an important thing for everyone to have in order to reach their dreams,” said Torres. 
“And all too often, students of color do not see themselves positively represented in books, toys or artwork in our communities, including schools. The goal with this project is for students to be affirmed and validated in materials and resources that positively reflect the diversity of our community.”

The grant funds for Parkwood’s “I See Me!” project will be used to purchase books for their classroom and school libraries that reflect the diversity of their school. They will also purchase copies of “What Does It Mean To Be White? Developing Racial Literacy” by Robin DiAngelo for a staff book study. Additionally, posters and artwork will be purchased to display their school community’s culture throughout the hallways and classrooms of their school.

“Symetra is proud to act as a catalyst for innovative programs that benefit our local schools by building both academic skills and crucial relationships within the broader school community,” said Sharmila Swenson, AVP, Public Affairs at Symetra. 
“Together with our program partners, we applaud educators like the teams at Parkwood Elementary School who recognize the varied, diverse voices that make up a school community and respond with unique programs that actively promote inclusion and empower young learners.”


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Updated religious and faith-based services guidance from Gov. Inslee

St. Luke outdoor mass
Photo by Christine Goodrich

Gov. Jay Inslee announced updated health guidance for religious and faith-based services today as more counties move forward under Washington’s Safe Start recovery plan.

Phase 3 would permit indoor capacity of 50% or 400 people, whichever is less. Health requirements for social distancing and facial coverings will remain the same as the guidance for previous phases.

King county is in Phase 1.5 and has requested the Board of Health to approve entry into Phase 2.

For services taking place in modified Phase 1 and Phase 2 counties, indoor services at 25% capacity or 200 people are allowed, whichever is less. 

In health guidance for services taking place in Phase 1 counties, only outdoor services are permitted, with no more than 100 attendees.

Local religious institutions have been very cautious, holding virtual and drive-in services. Last weekend St. Luke held outdoor mass for the first time since limited services were approved.

Find the full guidance document here.

Full list of current reopening guidance.



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Shorecrest and Shorewood recognized in U.S. News and World Report annual ranking

U.S. News and World Report has again recognized Shorecrest and Shorewood High Schools for student achievement in their annual ranking of the nation’s best high schools. Both schools were highly ranked in the news magazine’s 2020 Best High Schools list.

Shorewood is ranked 30th out of over 650 high schools in Washington that were considered, garnering a 90.6 out of 100 on the magazine’s scorecard. Shorecrest was next in line, ranking 31st in the state and a 92.5 on the scorecard.

Nationally, Shorewood ranked 1,666 out of over 24,000 high schools from across the country that were considered and Shorecrest came in at 1,685th.

“Having both of our school district’s high schools ranked so highly is a testament to the incredible work of our students, staff and families,” said Superintendent Rebecca Miner. 
“Their focus and commitment to create incredible learning communities dedicated to the needs and success of all students is evident in this prestigious recognition,” said Superintendent Rebecca Miner.

U.S. News and World Report evaluated high schools in four stages:
  1. Evaluation of student performance on state-required reading and math tests
  2. Comparison of scores of underserved students to state averages
  3. The school must have a graduation rate of 80 percent or more
  4. Schools that fulfilled these steps were then ranked on performance in Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate exams

“I’m pleased that both our high schools continue to be ranked highly on this list of high achieving schools,” said Shorewood Principal Bill Dunbar. “It’s evidence of our continued work to develop and grow a culture that focuses on student achievement and successfully preparing students for college and career choices after high school.”

“This recognition really affirms the hard work of our staff, volunteers and families in providing all students with the opportunities and skills they need for their continued success after high school,” said Shorecrest Principal Lisa Gonzalez. “I am so proud of our students for all they do to push and encourage each other to succeed at the highest levels.”

Best High Schools ranking information for Shorecrest

Best High Schools ranking information for Shorewood



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Freeway accident at 195th blocked traffic lanes Thursday morning


Two northbound lanes on I-5 were blocked for the response to a two car collision at 195th, Thursday morning around 9am.

Shoreline Fire was on scene blocking the HOV lane and the lane next to it for the collision on I-5 nb at exit 176. There was one patient with apparently minor injuries.



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Candidate Forum: 46th District Pos. 1 candidates introduce themselves

Thursday, June 18, 2020

(Editor’s note: This is the second installment in a series of responses to questions we’re sending to candidates running in the Aug. 4 primary election. These responses from candidates for 46th District State Representative Position 1 follow the previous article for 46th District State Representative Position 2. Next, we’ll have introductory questions for candidates for the two state representative positions in the 32nd Legislative District; then we’d have issue questions for all candidates, with future questions coming from readers. Send questions for the candidates to schsmith@frontier.com.)



Pollet and Brown


By Evan Smith

Democratic 46th District incumbent State Rep. Gerry Pollet will face Republican Eric J. Brown in the Aug. 4 primary and Nov. 3 general election.

With only two candidates running in the primary, both Pollet and Brown will qualify for November from the top-two primary.

The 46th District includes Lake Forest Park, Kenmore and northeast Seattle,

Both Pollet and Brown recently introduced themselves with answers to this question: “What is your background for this position?” Here are their 75-word responses, presented in the order their names will appear on the primary ballot and in the voters’ pamphlet.

Legislative District 46, State Representative Pos. 1

What is your background for this position?


Gerry Pollet (Prefers Democratic Party)

I’ve been honored to represent the 46th District since 2011. I’m also on the UW School of Public Health faculty –which is so important this year as I help lead an evidence- and public-health- based response to COVID-19. My commitment to openness and being accessible to you is reflected in being the only legislator who holds in-district drop in discussions every Saturday during Session and monthly throughout the year. See more at gerrypollet.com

Eric J. Brown (Prefers Republican Party)

Early in Eric's career he was administrative assistant in the administration of the president of the United States. In that role, Eric gained experience with intergovernmental collaboration and how it serves diverse communities.

He then played numerous academic support roles; certified security professional the longest. Working with students from a wide range of academic, learning and economic levels. Eric's vision is to vastly improve the quality of education for all.


Evan Smith can be reached at schsmith@frontier.com.



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More to Cromwell Park than meets the eye


Photo by Lee Lageschulte



There's more to Cromwell Park than you can see from the street or notice when you are there for a big event. There's a whole section to the south which is quiet and serene, even in normal times.



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A Better Day Salon reopens with thorough safety measures in place

Directional arrows show where to enter the shop



By Donna Hawkey

Bad hair days are soon over with the reopening of hair salons, however the pandemic has put increased responsibility on these mostly small businesses.

Janiece Hoggatt and Douglas Carl, owners of A Better Day Salon in Lake Forest Park Town Center, have been building community partnerships for twenty years through their service to generations of Lake Forest Park families and beyond.

Their mission has always been to take care of local families, and support community building, but they could never have imagined how a pandemic would change their business.


Janiece Hoggatt and Douglas Carl
at an LFP Rotary Auction


Lots of research, evaluating facts, and compiling what Janiece calls her “notebook” now guide A Better Day’s new safety protocols. 

She researched everything she could find from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the Washington State Board of Cosmetology, and many labor and industry reviews.

These owners are extremely appreciative of staff members and describe them as “amazing, hard-working, and they brainstorm many solutions together.” 

Dion, who is the salon’s massage therapist and waxing expert, volunteered to become the on-site COVID coordinator. 

 His new responsibility is sanitation and infection control throughout the salon. Massage and waxing services are still suspended until further phases of the reopening. The salon now has converted the massage room into an entire sanitation room.


Sanitation Room: Each guest will have an individual box made up of 
freshly sanitized cape, hair cutting and perm or color tools.


Janiece and Douglas say their responsibility is to provide a safe, sanitary environment to protect their health and the well-being of the staff, clients whom they call “guests,” and the greater community.

And that’s now a different kind of challenge for salon owners. It requires added costs to cash strapped small businesses. After business was shut down for almost three full months, they can't help but be concerned about how they will keep the business going.

Only 25% of client capacity will be allowed during this first phase, and any self-care services requiring direct skin to skin contact is not offered at this time. 


Winners of Rotary coloring contest when 
A Better Day Salon sponsored the Lake Forest Park Farmers Market


During the last three months, they have had almost no income except for small sales of beauty products, amounting to less than 5% of their usual monthly income. Their guests are eager to resume services and have been supportive and patient. But going forward, salons are facing new challenges.

They will need to add a temporary 10% sanitation charge to defray some of these costs. Also, A Better Day Salon operators are employees and not independent contractors, so they receive hazard pay, and service fees will rise by $5 to pay staff.

They plan to drop the sanitation cost when added safety public health protocols are no longer needed. The Administrator of the Washington State Apprenticeship Program for Cosmetologists recently inspected A Better Day Salon. He told Janiece they have the most prepared and well thought out COVID protocol that he has seen so far.

Heavy plastic curtains separate shampoo stations, 
and plastic wrap is used to protect the neck from direct contact with the shampoo bowl


New signage will guide guests into the salon where temperatures are checked and hand sanitation takes place. There is a clear, hard plastic sneeze guard at the front desk and also between each station. Guests are required to sign a form stating that they have no COVID symptoms and have not come into contact with anyone recently diagnosed.

Salon operators will wear both a mask and a plastic shield over the face. The operators have a special mint flavored spray for under their masks. But guests can suck on a mint to help them breathe more comfortably, too. Masks are required, but the salon will provide one if you don’t have it. 


A Better Day Salon is on the lower level of Town Center, 
intersection of Bothell and Ballinger Way in Lake Forest Park



Clients won’t be able to get their hair blown dried when the salon reopens since COVID is airborne, and that could blow a virus invader right into someone’s nose, according to research done by Aveda products' parent company, Estee Lauder. They hired a team of epidemiologists and doctors to research the best protocols for salons.

The owners have charcoal air filters for their salon, and they are advocating for the entire Town Center building that also houses the Third Place Commons and Third Place Books, to have HVAC filters changed regularly.

Janiece has a business degree as well as a cosmetology license. She was the first Washington state board operator certified for the apprenticeship program, and she assisted in designing that programs’ original protocols.

Douglas and Janiece have empowered the entire A Better Day Salon staff, and together, they are all determined to keep everyone as safe as possible, ‘one day at a time.’




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Case updates June 17, 2020

On Friday, June 12 the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) shows COVID-19 transmission continued to increase in eastern Washington as of the end of May, with a possible uptick in western Washington as well. 

The situation in eastern Washington is of greatest concern, particularly in Benton, Franklin, Spokane and Yakima counties. While case counts had been trending flat in western Washington, small increases are now being observed.

Gov. Inslee noted, “Washingtonians have done the hard work to flatten the curve on COVID-19 and we know this has been tremendously difficult for families, businesses and communities over the past few months. But today’s report shows us there is still reason for strong concern in parts of our state.” You can read the full report here.

United States
  • 2,132,321 cases
  • 116,862 deaths
Washington state
  • 26.784 cases
  • 3.938 hospitalizations
  • 1.226 deaths
King county
  • 8893 cases
  • 1531 hospitalizations
  • 575 deaths
Shoreline
  • 382 cases
  • 86 hospitalizations
  • 54 deaths
Lake Forest Park
  • 34 cases
  • 2 hospitalizations
  • 0 deaths


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Agenda for Shoreline Council meeting June 22, 2020

Shoreline City Council

Shoreline City Council meeting Monday, June 22, 2020, 7pm - virtual - see instructions for viewing and submitting comments HERE

Study Item 8(a) Discussing the King County Metro North Link Connections Mobility Project

King County Metro will be making changes to bus routes and introducing new mobility options in north Seattle and north King County in order to connect people to light rail, respond to changing transportation needs, and improve mobility and access for historically underserved populations. King County Metro staff will provide a summary of the comments received in the recent online survey and update Council on schedule and next steps toward completing service network revisions.

Study Item 8(b) Discussion and Update of the 2019-2024 Capital Improvement Plan

The City is required to adopt a six-year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) to identify and approve projects based on projected revenues and expenditures. Council will review the status of the four capital funds (General, Facilities Major Maintenance, Surface Water and Roads) including any significant changes to projects that were approved in the 2019-2024 CIP. Council will also have the opportunity to provide input and direction to staff for the development of the 2021-2026 CIP.

Study Item 8(c) Discussion of Resolution No. 462 – Updating the Employee Handbook

To better prepare the City for the current and future economic downturns and to provide the City Manager with maximum flexibility in responding to external forces that may impact the organization, staff is recommending that the Reduction in Force Section (Section VIII.D.) of the Employee Handbook be amended and that a new section, titled Furlough - Temporary Reduction in Hours (Section VIII.E.), be added.

--Pam Cross



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Vivid color and exotic blooms

Photo by Doug Cerretti

This large Chilean Fire Bush (Embothrium coccineum) is thriving at the Echo Lake home  of Doug Cerretti. 

Photo by Doug Cerretti


The exotic looking blossoms are a vivid color - almost a "glow in the dark."





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City of Shoreline: Shoreline Police training and policies around use of force


From the City of Shoreline

Shoreline Police training and policies around use of force

Over the past couple of weeks, we have received numerous questions about Shoreline Police training and policies, particularly around the use of force. While these questions are important any time, they have taken on particular importance in light of recent events. As we struggle to come to terms with our nation’s history of systemic racism and often violent oppression, it is important for us to listen to the community and hear how different policies impact communities of color. Shoreline Police know they must continually work to gain and maintain the trust of the community, especially communities of color and other historically marginalized communities. Shoreline Police strive to treat everyone in a fair and objective manner.

Community dialogue around policing in Shoreline

Over the coming year, the City plans to host opportunities for a community dialogue around policing in Shoreline. We are still in the early planning stages, but we will use a variety of formats to try to engage as many people as possible, understanding that a large community meeting may not be possible for some time due to the current COVID-19 pandemic.

Shoreline contracts with King County Sheriff’s Office for Police Services

The City of Shoreline contracts with the King County Sheriff’s Office for its police services. Shoreline Police follow the policies of the King County Sheriff’s Department. The King County Executive’s Office negotiates the police guild (union) contract with the King County Police Officers’ Guild. The Guild Contract includes negotiated agreements on working conditions and oversight by the Office of Law Enforcement Oversight (OLEO). The current contract for the King County Police Officers’ Guild expires at the end of 2021; negotiations are scheduled to begin in the middle of next year.

If you would like to provide input on the contract negotiations, you can contact the King County Executive’s Office at kcexec@kingcounty.gov or 206-263-9600.

Training

The Shoreline Police Department emphasizes de-escalation techniques to avoid the use of force. Our officers receive 40 hours of Crisis Intervention Training with an annual mandatory refresher, which prepares them to assist people in crisis for emotional, developmental, or behavioral health reasons. Additional de-escalation training teaches our officers techniques to calm tense encounters to reduce the potential for use of force. Shoreline’s RADAR program, which stands for Response Awareness De-escalation and Referral, aims to decrease use-of-force incidents between police and individuals with behavioral health issues and/or developmental disabilities. The program has become a model for other law enforcement agencies. In fact, the RADAR program has now expanded into a five-city partnership which includes Shoreline, Lake Forest Park, Kenmore, Bothell, and Kirkland.

Shoreline officers additionally go through eight hours of implicit bias training intended to make them aware of how to counter their own implicit biases and not let those biases impact their policing. The Shoreline Police command staff will continue to ensure Shoreline officers are trained in crisis intervention, de-escalation techniques, and implicit bias. The Shoreline City Council has supported these efforts through additional training funds.

Body Cameras

Shoreline Police Officers do not currently wear body-worn cameras. King County Sheriff Mitzi Johanknecht has shared her support for officers wearing body-worn cameras and has taken steps to make a budget request for body-worn cameras during King County’s 2021-2022 budget process. The City of Shoreline is supportive of this change and will be actively working with King County to see that this budget request is approved.

Campaign Zero’s “8 Can’t Wait”

Residents have asked what Shoreline Police policies are related to Campaign Zero’s “8 Can’t Wait” initiative. The Sheriff’s General Operation’s Manual outlines its use of force policies, which are addressed in Chapter 6. Here are the current use of force policies related to 8 Can’t Wait:

  • Chokeholds and strangleholds: Officers shall not make any physical application or maneuver to the neck region that restricts blood or air flow (i.e., choke holds, sleeper holds, carotid submission holds, lateral vascular neck restraint, etc.), except as a last resort to protect officers or others from an immediate threat of death or serious bodily injury. Any and all variations of these maneuvers may be considered deadly force when applied to the neck region. (Chapter 6.00.050)
  • De-escalation: When safe and feasible, Officers shall use de-escalation tactics to reduce the need for force. De-escalation is a deliberate attempt to minimize or avoid the use of force to resolve a law enforcement incident using communication, tactics, and actions. Examples of de-escalation include calming agitated subjects, providing additional time for responses, and positioning to reduce risk. (Chapter 6.00.025)
  • Warning before shooting: Clear direction and verbal commands shall be given when feasible. (Chapter 6.00.005)
  • Exhaust all alternatives before shooting: Officers shall exhaust every reasonable means of apprehension before resorting to the use of deadly force. (Chapter 6.00.045)
  • Duty to intervene: Failure to report an officer’s possible misconduct (including excessive or unnecessary use of force against a person) may result in discipline up to and including termination. (Chapter 3.03.015)
  • Shooting at moving vehicles: Officers shall not shoot at a moving vehicle, unless: a) deadly physical force is being used against the officer or another person by means other than a moving vehicle; or b) the moving vehicle poses an imminent and identifiable threat of serious physical harm to the officer or others from which there is no reasonable means of escape. For the purposes of this section, officers shall attempt to move out of the path of an oncoming vehicle, if possible, rather than discharge their firearm; and shall not intentionally place themselves in the path of an oncoming vehicle and attempt to disable the vehicle by discharging their firearms. Officers shall not discharge their firearms at a fleeing vehicle unless an officer reasonable believes, and can articulate reasons therefore, why the necessity for immediate apprehension outweighs the danger to the public that is created by discharging a firearm. (Chapter 6.00.045)
  • Use of force continuum: Less lethal weapons are tools designed to assist officers to gain control of a physically resistant, or aggressive or violent subject(s) who poses a threat of physical harm to themselves, to the officer(s) or to other persons or property. Less lethal weapons have been adopted for use by the Sheriff’s Office but are not intended to be a substitute when lethal force is necessary. Sworn personnel shall successfully complete training on less lethal weapons prior to using them. All applications of less lethal weapons shall conform to the principles outlined in the training and certification program, consistent with the RCW definition of necessary force (RCW 9A.16.010) and the Use of Force Policy (GOM 6.00.000). (Chapter 6.03.000)
  • Comprehensive reporting: It is the policy of the Sheriff’s Office to promptly report and to thoroughly investigate any use of force or critical incident. Whenever an officer uses deadly force, physical force, a Conducted Electrical Weapon (TASER), chemical agent or Pepper Spray, reporting is mandatory by the officer using force and any officer witnessing the use of force. Failure to report the use of force, when required, is a violation of this policy. Supervisory notification and supervisor response to the scene is required for all incidents outlined in this policy unless expressly exempted. (Chapter 6.01)

The General Operations Manual is updated regularly by the Sheriff’s Office. If you have questions or comments regarding the General Operations Manual, please contact the Sheriff’s Office at sheriff@kingcounty.gov or 206-296-4155.


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Call for Photos: 2020 8X8Photo - an online exhibit

The Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Arts Council is currently accepting submissions for the 8X8Photo online exhibit.

Registration and participation is open to all - no photography background required.

8X8Photo is a brand new event run by the Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Arts Council, a nonprofit organization dedicated to cultivating the creativity in all of us. 

The proceeds from this event work to keep the arts thriving in our region.

We print them for you, you just submit your photo/s when registering - a piece of cake (we like cake).

You can submit a maximum of 10 photos - series welcome and encouraged! 

There is a $6 fee to register (free for students pre-K to grade 12).

Submissions from all ages and skill levels. We only print what sells, so no need to pick up unsold photographs.

$100 cash prizes will be awarded for People’s Choice, Sponsor's Choice and Director’s Choice Awards! Awards are for the photographer's work (1 photo or 10).

Schedule for Photographers
  • Now - July 17: Register your photos online
  • July 24: Photographs exhibited online, visitors to the site can vote for the People's Choice Award
  • Friday 31 July, 7pm: Winners broadcast on a live stream on the Shoreline LFP Arts Council facebook page
  • 10am, Saturday 1 August: Photographs are available to purchase! There is only one of each photograph available for purchase. Based off our longtime 6X6NW event, we expect things to move quickly! The photos will be available for the month of August for purchase.
  • September 15: Photographers commission checks will be mailed by this date
Register today!

Thank you to our sponsor Jack Malek | Windermere Broker and Realtor!

Questions? Email Terri Price at programs@shorelinearts.net

The Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Arts Council is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to cultivate creativity and inspire our community through the arts.



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Can you help police with Shoreline cold case homicide?

Charles Paterson was killed
by a robber in 1977

Help us solve the cold case homicide of Charles Paterson.

On Wednesday October 5, 1977 at 1:30am, 22 year old Charles Paterson was working his final shift as a clerk at the old 7-11 in Shoreline, which was then located at 836 NE 185 St (now a mower shop).

That night, the store was robbed. Charles was cooperative but, despite handing over the money, he was shot and killed by the robber(s).

Charles was planning to travel to the east coast the following week to meet his biological father for the first time, but sadly never made it.

We know someone out there knows something about the death of Charles Paterson. We urge that person to come forward. 

You can leave a completely anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers of Puget Sound at www.p3tips.com. The case number to reference is 77-151836.



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Purple flower

Wednesday, June 17, 2020

Photo by Mike Remarcke

Just something lovely to start your day




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KCSO: If it's too good to be true - it's not true

From the King County Sheriff's Office


On Tuesday, June 9, 2020 a man thought he had stumbled on a great deal. The suspect, driving a black Charger, approached the victim in the parking lot of a Shoreline grocery store and explained he had just moved here from California and needed money, so he was selling a jewelry collection.

The jewelry appeared to be gold, and the victim thought he could get a great deal while helping out someone in need. So, he purchased the jewelry for $500 cash.

The next day the victim went to a pawn shop, only to learn that all of the jewelry he had purchased was fake.

Remember to be very cautious buying anything from a stranger, especially jewelry. If the deal seems to go to be true, it probably is.

Another parking lot scam: "I'm out of gas and don't have any money." The grifter points to a car with kids in it. When one person replied that they had no cash on them, the grifter helpfully offered to accompany them to a nearby cash machine.



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St. Luke held outdoor service June 11 - the first since the shutdown

Photo by Christine Goodrich

By Cathy Goodrich

St. Luke Catholic church in Shoreline held its first in person mass since the COVID-19 shut down.

Registration for attendance at mass (if you wanted to and felt safe) started a 2-3 weeks ago in anticipation of "opening up".

Those who registered got an email telling them they could attend on June 11 which is Feast of Corpus Christi. Attendance was limited. Names were checked off the list as parishioners stood in line to go upstairs to the field. Masks were required. Circles in chalk designed spaces to sit with larger circles for larger family groups.

Fr Brad Hagelin was only one not wearing a mask until Holy Communion was distributed. The altar servers had masks. There was no music.

Communion was after Final Blessing so out of usual order so that Fr. Brad could use hand sanitizer and mask up. People went up as the usher directed. People removed masks just before extending arms/hands flat to receive Host while maintaining a distance.

People walked away before consuming host. If the priest's fingers touched hands, he would have to go back and use hand sanitizer. He suggested people return to their chairs and pray 60 sec before leaving quietly. Probably 50-75 people attended and nobody lingered.

A parishioners said that "It was nice to receive the Eucharist for the first time since shutdown. It was nice to wave "peace" to people - even if I wasn't always sure who they were behind the mask!"

If King county is approved for Phase 2, the church may not have to  go through all these precautions.



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Candidate Forum: 46th District Position 2 candidates introduce themselves

(Editor’s note: This is the first installment in a series of responses to questions we’re sending to candidates running in the Aug. 4 primary election. We’ll follow this with introductory questions for candidates for 46th District State Representative Position 1 and for the two state representative positions in the 32nd Legislative District; then we’ll have issue questions for all of candidates, with future questions coming from readers. Send questions to schsmith@frontier.com)


By Evan Smith

Democratic 46th District incumbent State Rep. Javier Valdez will face Republican Beth Daranciang in the Aug. 4 primary and Nov. 3 general election. With only two candidates running in the primary, both Valdez and Daranciang will qualify for November from the top-two primary.

The 46th District includes Lake Forest Park, Kenmore and northeast Seattle.

Both Valdez and Daranciang recently introduced themselves with answers to this question: “What is your background for this position?” Here are their 75-word responses, presented in the order their names will appear on the primary ballot and in the voters’ pamphlet.

Legislative District 46, State Representative Pos. 2

                                     What is your background for this position?


Javier Valdez (Prefers Democratic Party)

I currently serve as a 46th State Representative and have worked for the City of Seattle for over twenty years, where I've led programs to expand opportunities for women and minority-owned businesses.

As the son and grandson of farmworkers and laborers, I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Master’s degree in Public Administration. I have served on the board of the Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the first president of AFSCME 21C.


Beth Daranciang (Prefers Republican Party)

Background: Master’s degree in public health and bachelor’s degree in biology. Professional experience includes research coordinator at the UW, Program manager at Public Health – Seattle and King County, and my husband and I are small-business owners in Seattle. Served as volunteer treasurer for the PTSA and parent group at 2 Seattle high schools

Advocate for the protection of children, including serving on the volunteer leadership team that successfully gathered over 266,000 signatures for Referendum 90.

Evan Smith can be reached at schsmith@frontier.com.




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Planning Commission to work on code regulations for ground floor commercial development

Woodinville buildings are required
to have retail on the ground floor




Borne out of citizen concerns about the disappearing business district in North City, City Council is pursuing ways to require commercial space use in ground floors of commercial buildings in North City and Ridgecrest.

North City has seen half a dozen major apartment buildings rise in properties which once held the post office and small businesses.

Shoreline changed its code to require that the first floor of new buildings be built to accommodate businesses, but stopped short of requiring the owners to actually use the space for business. So none of them have.

In the meantime, long term business owners in North City have taken matters into their own hands and have been buying property in the business district to protect it from development.

The Planning Commission, at its meeting on Thursday, June 18, 2020 will start working on the details of how to create a main street with businesses, while not hindering new development. 

Planning Commision meetings have always been broadcast, in the same way that council meetings are. They are now meetings on zoom. All the information about viewing the meeting, either live or in archive and submitting comments, is HERE

--Diane Hettrick



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Yipee, Third Place Books is open!

Photo by Gloria Z Nagler


(Jerrold the Dark-eyed Junco is a tireless bibliophile, and can't wait to peruse the travel section)
           --Gloria Z Nagler


Third Place Books Current Store Hours
Lake Forest Park
Intersection Bothell and Ballinger Way NE
Open to public 9am-5pm 7 days a week

Customer Code of Conduct
By entering Third Place Books, you have agreed to all the following rules and regulations:
  • Any customer experiencing any cold or COVID-19 symptoms will not enter.
  • All customers must wear masks at all times in the store (does not apply to children under the age of 3).
  • All customers must remain 6 feet in distance from TPB staff and other shopping parties.
  • TPB staff will limit the number of customers in the store at any given time.
  • Customers may shop for 30 minutes in the store.
  • Children 12 years and under must be accompanied by an adult at all times in the store.
  • Children 3 and under must be in a stroller or other child carrying devices at all times in the store.
  • No sitting in the bookstore.
  • TPB restrooms are closed to the public (there are restrooms in the Commons for public use).
  • No cash transactions. All transactions will be via debit card, credit card or touchless payment.
  • Used Book Buying is closed.
  • TPB staff have the right to ask any customer to leave that is not following these rules.



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Pramila Jayapal town hall Thursday



Pride Month Town Hall this Thursday, June 18 at 6:00pm PT

Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal be joined by Chase Strangio, Deputy Director for Transgender Justice at the ACLU and one of the key attorneys who argued yesterday’s landmark Supreme Court ruling that Title VII of the Civil Rights Act protects LGBTQ workers.

I hope you’ll join me and Chase to discuss that ruling, the need for the Equality Act, and the work that remains to secure full LGBTQ+ civil rights in America. 

Rep. Jayapal represents the 7th congressional district which includes Shoreline, Lake Forest Park and south Edmonds.

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Gallery at Town Center opens with four artists


Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, Noon - 5pm
Exhibiting Four New Artists


The Gallery at Town Center has officially reopened and is currently exhibiting a selection of works by local artists Kimberly Leo, Brandi Young, Naoko, Morisawa, and Lisa Sheets. See these works and the creations of over 90 other local artists during Gallery at Town Center hours: Tuesday – Saturday, Noon to 5pm.

Kimberly Leo

Kimberly Leo is originally from New Orleans, Louisiana and has been living in Greater Seattle since 2000. She has a degree in Fine Arts from LSU. Kimberly has a long history with oil painting and abstract landscapes but has recently become obsessed with working with resin and mixed medium. Her art is inspired by natural shapes, crystals, the moon, ebb and flow, friendship, and the cycle of life.

Brandi Young

Brandi is a Shoreline artist, originally from Austin, Texas. For the past few years, Brandi has focused her work on acrylic and collage techniques. She loves taking subjects like cars or buildings and creating a fun contrast of texture and design.

Brandi has a degree in Fine Art from Stephen F. Austin State University. She has worked in photo transfer, colored pencil, acrylic, collage, jewelry making, and anything else that strikes her fancy.

Naoko Morisawa

I make art that is natural, playful and lifts people’s spirits. But I also want my artwork to be about myself, like a diary. Each piece is created with the care one would use writing a letter to a loved one or friend. Bright, fun, and unusual subjects attract and inspire me to work in new directions. Mysterious creatures/objects such as magic mushroom and jellyfish, gravity, Illusions and Waves are recurring themes in my work. My work has been featured in Studio Visit Magazine, London Art Habens Contemporary Art Review, several other international publications printed in Seattle, Tieton, Denver, Omaha, Boston, Tokyo, London, Dublin, Athens and New York.

Lisa Sheets

Lisa Sheets' mixed media collages explore history, gender roles, and cultural norms, and how these things impact our lives. Sheets uses combinations of religious and historical iconography along with pop culture images to stress the sacred in our modern day lives. She emphasizes the constantly shifting and changing roles that shape us, and examines how we unravel those roles through history.

Thank you for supporting local artists and shopping small!

The Gallery at Town Center is a program of the Shoreline - Lake Forest Park Arts Council and is located inside the Lake Forest Park Town Center on the lower level. 17171 Bothell Way NE, Lake Forest Park, WA 98155.

The Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Arts Council is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to cultivate creativity and inspire our community through the arts.



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Notes from Shoreline City Council meeting June 15, 2020

Pam Cross, reporter


Shoreline City Council Meeting
June 15, 2020
Notes by Pam Cross

The meeting was held online using the Zoom platform.

Mayor Hall called the meeting to order at 7:00pm
All Councilmembers were present.

Report of the City Manager, Debbie Tarry

Shoreline Small Business Support Grant
  • Applications are open until noon, June 22nd, for grants up to $20,000.
  • Qualifying businesses must have fewer than 25 employees, have been in business since July 1, 2019, have their physical location in a Shoreline commercial zone, and have experienced a loss of income due to COVID-19. More than thirty applications have already been received.
  • To apply or for additional information: shorelinewa.gov/business/covid-19-business-resources
Shoreline Farmers Market
  • The market will be open on Saturdays through October 3rd at 155th and Westminster Way near the prior location.
  • New health and safety guidelines limit the number of shoppers at one time, mandate face coverings, prohibit pets except service animals, and encourage pre-orders.
  • For additional information: shorelinefarmersmarket.org
King County is now in Phase 1.5 of the Safe Start Plan.
  • This allows outdoor gatherings of 5 people from outside the household, outdoor recreation per Phase 2, in-store retail, personal and professional services, pet grooming, restaurants at 25% capacity for indoor dining and 50% capacity for outdoor dining, and construction per Phase 2.
  • Details at shorelinewa.gov/covid
  • Today King County applied for Phase 2.
  • Please continue hand washing, practice social distancing, wear a face mask, and limit groups to 5 or fewer people from outside the household.
Public Reminders
  • The Planning Commission will meet remotely on Thursday, June 18th at 7:00pm. Discussion will be Ground Floor Commercial Development Code. You can sign up to provide comment at Planning Commission meeting June 18
Council Reports

Deputy Mayor Scully and Commissioner Chang had an informational meeting with County Councilmember Rod Dembowski about some potential County Charter amendments and other items relative to police accountability.

Public Comment

The following speakers supported the staff recommendation for funding of park improvements:
  • Bill Franklin, Shoreline
  • Janet Way, Shoreline
  • Katie Schielke, Shoreline, President of the Board of Kruckeberg Botanic Garden
Approval of the Agenda adopted by unanimous consent.
  • The Consent Calendar adopted unanimously by roll call vote.
Action Item 8(a)

Authorizing the City Manager to execute agreements for the purchase of two properties adjacent to Paramount Open Space Park, 14528 and 14534 10th Ave NE.

Nathan Daum, Economic Development Program Manager, gave the presentation

He presented a brief summary of the Parks, Recreation, and Open Space (PROS) Plan that was adopted in 2017. Its goal was to prepare for future demand resulting from the coming light rail and the increase in the number of Shoreline residents. Staff considered the City’s targeted level of service that created the desire for 95 additional acres citywide with 43 additional acres in the light rail station subareas. They targeted 5 acres of new park land by 2023 in order to expand dog walking and other trail-related activities, and improve the urban forest. Secured funding was provided by the City’s Park Impact Fees collected from developers.

Listed among the PROS Plan priorities was Paramount Open Space expansion. The proposed expansion would allow the preservation of existing trees, planting of new trees, expansion of wetlands, and improvements to streams. It also allows park access from 10th Ave NE. The City has the opportunity to acquire approximately one-third of an acre of property, in two parcels adjacent to the Paramount Open Space Park, willingly sold by the two property owners.

The total independently appraised cost for the two parcels is $1,114,000, of which the City has received $557,000 in King County Conservation Futures Tax (CFT) grant funding. The City would be required to fund the remaining $557,000. There is approximately $900,000 in collected Park Impact Fees (PIF) not yet allocated and available to support the purchase of the properties.

The City Council will also be determining whether the City should submit a ballot measure for voter consideration to fund park improvements and/or park property acquisition. If approved by voters, the proceeds from the bond measure could also be used toward the purchase of the properties.

Because this is the first time the proposal has appeared on the agenda, Mayor Hall opened for public comment. No comments except as seen under general comments.

Discussion

This is a great and exciting opportunity for a natural area that also provides access to the park from 10th Ave NE. There are two willing sellers and half of the cost is covered by CFT grant. This is the second time we have expanded this park in the past 26 years.

(Note: This was the topic of last week's Executive Session which may account for the limited discussion.)

Vote: proposal passed unanimously 7-0.

Study Items

Study Item 9(a) Discussing the Sound Transit Lynnwood Link Extension Project Update

Juniper Nammi, Light Rail Project Manager for City of Shoreline, introduced the speakers from Sound Transit
Randy Harlow, Executive Project Director, and
Erik Ashlie-Vinke, Government and Community Relations Manager

Significant progress has been made in the construction permitting process. Multiple permits are required for the land use, guideways (Guideways refer to the elevated transit structures), station and garage buildings. After that there will be plumbing/mechanical and fire system permits that will be secured by the contractors.

There are some remaining items for Council:
  • Modification of plat restrictions or covenants related to city-owned property
  • Additional street vacations and intergovernmental property transfers,
  • Property exchange agreements, and
  • Additional agreements or agreement amendments.

COVID-19 has had an impact on construction progress and the impacts are still being assessed. Construction slowed, additional health safety measures had to be implemented, and revenue projections have to be reviewed.

Early work in 2019 included finishing clearing and grubbing (Grubbing is defined as removing and disposing of all unwanted vegetative matter from underground, such as stumps, roots, buried logs, and other debris) and construction of access roads. Utility relocations have begun, and the Ronald Bog Mitigation is essentially complete.

Major construction 2020-2023 will include drilled shafts, columns, girders, walls, track-work, stations and garages, and systems installation.

We will be soon be seeing the NE 185th street undercrossing and 5th Ave NE realignment, the roundabout construction at NE 185h and 10th Ave NE, closing 195th St bridge, Ridgecrest Park parking lot construction, McAleer Creek environmental restoration, and continuing utility relocations. Work will continue drilling shafts, placing columns, placing walls, aerial hideaway girder placements.

Future activities include station and garage mechanical, electrical, plumbing and finish work, installation of track-work and systems, followed by hardscaping and landscaping.

Extensive Community Outreach makes it possible to respond to community complaints of dust and debris, speeding work vehicles, noise, vibration etc. There is a 24 hour construction hotline: 1-888-298-2395.

Discussion

How are they addressing graffiti on the sound walls?
Reply: the contractor has a dedicated work crew that removes graffiti, they have introduced a number of patrols to discourage it, and are talking with the Washington DOT for assistance in patrolling.

Council is excited at the progress and pleased with the name change of South Station to 148th from 145th.

9(b) Discussing Park Improvements and Property Acquisition Priorities and Funding

Eric Friedli, PRCS Department Director

Council goals for park improvements and land acquisition were discussed earlier tonight in Action Item 8(a). In 2018 the Council included improvements to four parks in the 2019 Proposition 1 general election ballot measure – Brugger’s Bog, Briarcrest (Hamlin Park), Richmond Highlands, and Hillwood. This decision followed months of parks study, stakeholder and community meetings, online comment forms, and a citizens advisory committee.

Strategic Action Initiative #3 of the PROS plan established the objective to “expand recreation facility opportunities by adding at least one community garden, two basketball courts, two multi-purpose/pickle-ball courts, one playground, one swing set, one paved loop path, one spray park, and one adventure playground.”

Strategic Action Initiative #7 established the objective to “ensure adequate parkland for future generations by adding five acres of new park land by 2023 and twenty additional acres by 2030.”

The priority park improvements part of the $103.6 million Proposition 1:


Proposition #1 received the majority of votes, but did not reach the 60% threshold in order to pass.

In May 2006, Shoreline voters approved a $18.8M parks and open space ballot measure. This was a 15-year measure, which provided funding for a number of park and recreational facility improvements and the acquisition of open space properties.

The final year of property tax collections for this bond measure is the end of 2021, as the bonds will be completely repaid by then.

Staff will be asking Council for guidance on next steps towards potentially placing a bond measure to replace parks funding before the voters. Several policy questions and four potential ballot measure alternatives were presented for discussion. One of the key issues for Council is to determine if the City should delay moving forward on a ballot measure until the impacts of COVID-19 are more fully understood on the local economy. This may mean delaying the issue until 2021.

Staff recommends a $38.5M bond measure to cover the priority park improvements, additional park amenities for other priority parks (James Keough and Kruckeberg Garden), park land acquisition, and improvements to acquired property. Staff prepared three alternatives and councilmembers had provided three additional alternatives prior to tonight.

Staff recommends the bond appear on the November 2020 General Election or the April 2021 Special Election ballot. There are arguments for each, such as the number of expected voters and other potential ballot measures.

Note: this meeting is for discussion only. No decision will be made tonight.

DISCUSSION

There is some fear that failure to purchase open space/parks land when it becomes available now, will result in the City’s loss of it to developers. Once the land is gone, it’s gone. Let’s get our current parks more functional before we start buying land for more. And we do have acquisitions in the pipeline.

We need to to highlight the biggest gaps in our current parks system and put our focus there. Some of our parks are fine. The priority parks were chosen after careful consideration and we should make sure they are all usable in the way people think about parks usage.

Kruckeberg Garden should be on the list because it’s really hard to navigate without ADA upgrades. We need parks that are walkable for times like this (COVID-19). Spending the money in the priority parks will spread it out in the community instead of congregating everyone in one park.

Removal of some of the bells and whistles in those priority parks would save money. We need to hunker down and watch our expenditures. But keeping park improvements cheap won’t make it a good proposal. We can’t nickel and dime the community by doing just a little now, then a little later, then a little more after that. We could reduce the monthly taxpayer bill by changing the term of the bond or increase the size of the bond.

If we try for the November General Election, we will be discussing this when everyone is still working from home. There is too much chaos in people's lives right now, and even April may be too soon. What if we have a resurgence of the virus in September or October? Recovery is taking a long time. The deadline to get the issue on the ballot in November, when we will presumably have more voters, is August 4, 2020. To get it on the April 2021 ballot, the deadline is February 9, 2021. 

Will we still be staying in our homes? Will unemployment have improved? Will the economy have rebounded? We don’t have enough information. Targeting the April ballot or later will give us time for things to settle down.

The parks board needs to be behind it in order to get this passed. Council wants to stay close to the parks department recommendation and as close as possible to the amount currently paid by residents. It’s important to remember that a $26M bond pales in comparison to the State tax for schools (not the School District charges), or the cost of Sound Transit.

Consensus:

Council is in favor of the April 2021 ballot or later. Most favor a $26M bond with some changes, or a slightly larger package for a term of 20 years or more.

Council asked staff go back to the parks board, and then bring it back to Council.

9(c) Discussion of Ordinance No. 890 - Amending Shoreline Municipal Code Chapter 2.60 Purchasing

Sara Lane, Administrative Services Director, gave the staff presentation

The City’s purchasing regulations, Shoreline Municipal Code (SMC) Chapter 2.60, was adopted in 2001, based on financial management policies that had been in place since the City’s incorporation. Since that time, while this chapter has been amended to reflect changes in statutory law and other housekeeping items, most recently on September 18, 2017, monetary limits related to services, materials, supplies, and equipment have not been updated to reflect a changing economy.

The highlights of the recommended increases to the threshold for the above:
  • Require RFP or RFQ (request for proposal or quotation) from $50,000 to $100,000
  • Require Council approval for services from $50,000 to $100,000
  • Require a submitted contract from $3,000 to $5,000
  • Require quotes on materials, supplies and equipment from $5,000 to 10,000
Additionally it adds an alternative process to award public works contracts as authorized by chapter 39.10 RCW, such as Job Order Contracting and Design/Build.

Proposed Ordinance No. 890 is scheduled to be brought back to Council for potential adoption on July 13, 2020.

DISCUSSION

There is always a concern about lack of transparency, but these changes will not decrease transparency. Instead it is a way to decrease cost by increasing efficiency. This is the first increase in about 20 years. It is not a huge increase and Council will still be involved in larger contract. Council has confidence in staff.

It makes sense to have some kind of increase. Was the amount of increase arbitrary? Council talked about it at the retreat so that may be where $100k came from. Are there a lot of contracts within the difference? Since this is unknown, we need a better case made for size of the increase. Reply: staff will research. There is a significant amount of time spent by staff to get ready to bring these items before Council, taking a minimum of 3 weeks. For public works this delay is a problem due to time sensitivity. The object is to save staff time and eliminate the 3 week delay. Public works projects are significantly higher and controlled by RCW.

How are vendors and services selected? How do we know we meet equity and other measures? Reply: it is a less formal procedure, but these requirements drive the level of competition, several quotes are compared, and they look for the best product at the best value. There is no requirement to prefer Shoreline based business, but it is their practice.

Could we adopt contract status reports that would give Council oversight without tying up the calendar?
Response: might be a challenge to provide the kind of detailed report wanted but they might be able to come up with something that will provide better reporting.

This will not come back on Consent due to some outstanding questions by Council. Scheduled to come back as an Action item July 13th.

Meeting adjourned.



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