Shoreline Summer Bingo

Thursday, June 25, 2020


As people get out and walk their neighborhoods with their children, the community cooperates to provide so entertainment.

Look for teddy bears in windows, painted rocks along pathways, and now the City of Shoreline is providing weekly Bingo cards.

Print them off at shorelinewa.gov/summer2020

Do we really have banana slugs in Shoreline?



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Case updates; state distributing free face coverings to low-income residents

Cumulative cases, hospitalizations, deaths by county

State emergency officials are distributing millions of free face coverings to all low-income Washingtonians. State officials launched a launched a program earlier this month to ensure access to free, reusable cloth face coverings for all low-income Washingtonians.

The state’s Emergency Management Division in partnership with the Department of Enterprise Services purchased 3.6 million cloth face masks with the goal of distributing two to every Washingtonian below 200% of the federal poverty level.

The state has distributed nearly 2.8 million masks and is working with local emergency management offices to distribute the rest. People who would like to pick up a mask should contact their county’s local emergency manager.

Case updates June 24, 2020

United States
  • cases 2,336,615 includes 34,313 new cases since yesterday
  • deaths  121,117 includes 784 new deaths since yesterday
Washington state
  • cases 29,869 
  • hospitalizations 4,093
    • As of 6/23/2020, 99 hospitals reported 
      • 304 COVID-19 patients hospitalized, with 
      • 56 on ventilators
  • deaths 1,293
King county
  • cases 9,502
  • hospitalizations 1,555
  • deaths 583
Shoreline
  • cases 391
  • hospitalizations 87
  • deaths 55
Lake Forest Park
  • cases 35
  • hospitalizations 2
  • deaths 0





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State Sen. Salomon calls for reform to end police brutality

State Sen. Jesse Salomon, D-32

State Sen. Jesse Salomon has called for a variety of police reforms in the wake of the recent killing of an unarmed black man by Minneapolis police officers.

Salomon, who also was a King County public defender, said Thursday, June 18, in the pages of the Seattle Times, “Many in the Black community live in fear that the police will hurt them rather than help them. This is unacceptable.”
He added, “The unfortunate reality is that even when police kill unarmed people, disproportionately Black men, they rarely suffer serious consequences. This is one of the many reasons why the U.S. has the highest rate of police-caused fatalities in the developed world by far.”

Salomon also noted that, while public defenders can fight case-by-case against racist policing, he and his colleagues in the Legislature have the duty and the power to pass laws to help change police practices.

Salomon said that he supports current recommendations, such as prohibiting local law enforcement agencies from acquiring surplus military equipment, banning chokeholds and no-knock searches, mandating the use of body cameras, investing in mental-health-crisis response, and improving de-escalation and anti-bias training.

But, he said, he wanted to increase accountability measures that, he said, have been too lax, including, revoking state-issued certificates of officers who are fired for abusive use of force, stopping the revolving door that allows fired officers to be reinstated through the police union appeal process and making public all misconduct records so that officers can’t just resign and then go to work for another police department.

Salomon represents the 32nd Legislative District, which includes Shoreline, northwest Seattle, Lynnwood, Woodway, and parts of Edmonds, Mountlake Terrace and unincorporated Snohomish County. He is a former Shoreline City Council member. Salomon has served as a public defender for 13 years.

Read Salomon’s entire Seattle Times op-ed piece, “A reform agenda for the Washington state Legislature to end police brutality ” here: https://www.seattletimes.com/opinion/a-reform-agenda-to-end-police-brutality/



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Virtual Youth Art Show - Vote this Weekend

Wednesday, June 24, 2020

Head in the Clouds
by Shorecrest High School student Liam Crouch

Virtual Youth Art Show - Vote this Weekend!
2020 Shoreline Arts Festival
Presented by the Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Arts Council

Be amazed by the talents in the Shoreline Arts Festival Youth Art Exhibit, featuring over 300 works of art. 

Students in Pre-K through 12th grade submit their favorite 2-D and 3-D art works, and awards are given in four different age groups.

Gotcha
by Aubrey Carter
The art for the Shoreline School District Calendar is selected from this exhibit, making it one of the most anticipated shows. Come surround yourself in the fabulous creativity of our youth! #CreativityCantBeQuarantined

Support our local budding artists and vote for your favorite piece!

Online People’s Choice Award Voting: June 27 at 10am – June 28 at 4pm

Facebook Livestream Awards Ceremony: June 28th, 6pm.

Award Winners will also be posted to our website after the livestream announcement.

Shoreline School District Calendar

Each year, artwork for the Shoreline School District Calendar is selected from the Shoreline Arts Festival's Youth Art Show. Winners are selected by School District staff and come from all age categories and schools within the district. Selected Artists get the pride of having their artwork in one of the most important (and coveted!) printed materials in town.

Joseph Irons helping kids make birdhouses
Photo courtesy Arts Council

Thank you to our Youth Art Show and Juried Art Show sponsor, Irons Brothers Construction!

The winners of each age group will receive a DIY IronsBC Birdhouse Kit! Also includes 1st and 2nd Place People's Choice Winners.

IronsBC is a long time supporter of our organization, and show their support each year at our Arts Festival making their much loved birdhouses with our youth. 

This year they are still supporting the show in this virtual space! We rely on our generous sponsors to make these events possible.

This year, they will be performing a LIVE build of an IronsBC Birdhouse, so you can also make one at home with the kids this summer. Tune in on Sunday, June 28th at 6:00pm to the Shoreline Arts Council’s Facebook page to watch!

Questions can be emailed to Silvia: artsed@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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Experimental Theatre production class at Shoreline Community College



SHORELINE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Announcing a New Class
"Almost Covid"
Experimental Theatre Production Class, Fall 2020
Drama 234, (Drama 207 and/or Drama 208 by permission of instructor) 
September 23–December 4, 2020


Students will be producing a fictional documentary (written in the form of original monologues, scenes or short plays) about their experiences (real or imagined) during the time of Covid pandemic (which can include any of the historical events taking place, such as the demonstrations for Black Lives Matter and police reform). 

A completed video will be available for the public to view online.
  • Deadline August 1, 2020.
  • Actors: To audition send a self-taped, 1-2 minute monologue.
  • Writers: Submit drafts of original monologues and scenes.

Position for assistant director available. Tech/editing positions also available.

Filmed auditions files and writing submissions should be sent to Bryar Golden: egolden@shoreline.edu.
For more information, contact Bryar Golden: egolden@shoreline.edu.

Shoreline Community College. 16101 Greenwood Ave N, Seattle, WA 98133. (206) 546-4728.

Shoreline Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, marital status, gender sexual orientation or disability.



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Recycling collection event for Lake Forest Park and Kenmore



Recycling Collection Event for Kenmore and Lake Forest Park residents will take place this SATURDAY, June 27, 2020 from 9am-3pm at the Northlake Lutheran Church 6620 NE 185th St, Kenmore 98028 

Be safe - wear masks, gloves and pack your items so they can be removed quickly.

You can bring batteries, computers / electronics, tires, tvs.
Document shredding available.

Appliances, mattresses, propane tanks, toilets - but be advised there is a recycling charge for many of these items.

Do not bring, styrofoam blocks, packing peanuts, furniture, plastic, window glass, or hazardous waste.

Households in both cities will have received a flyer for the event with all details.



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County Council approves payment plan for King County property taxes

Categories for applying for reduced taxes
but in the meantime, the county will offer payment plans

More financial aid is coming to King County property taxpayers affected by COVID-19. On Tuesday, the Metropolitan King County Council unanimously approved a new form of property tax relief, sponsored by King County Council Vice Chair Reagan Dunn.

“I believe it’s an act of leadership for the County to shoulder a share the financial burden that many of its residents are struggling with during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Dunn said. “This is good policy that offers a little leniency to folks who are stretched thin and not able to pay their bills.”

Dunn’s legislation gives the King County Treasurer the task of designing and implementing a payment plan for 2020 property taxes. Once it’s in place, the Treasurer will reach out to those who are delinquent on the first half tax bill to offer a payment plan. 

The King County Treasurer will also look into the feasibility of covering the fees of third-party vendors that cover the cost of payment administration. The goal of the plan is to help property taxpayers who are suffering financial hardship specifically caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

On March 30, King County extended the due date for the first half of 2020 property taxes from April 30 to June 1, 2020. Since then, economic activity in King County has plummeted and the unemployment rate has skyrocketed to 15.8%, according to the Employment Security Department’s April report. 

As of June 11, 46,000 people were delinquent on their 2020 property tax payments, which amounts to a 28% increase from 2019.



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Cartoon by Whitney Potter: Big Foot sighting


What did you think it was going to be?

🤣🤣



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ICHS receives grant from Arcora Foundation; ends testing in Shoreline

ICHS Shoreline Clinic
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

The Arcora Foundation announced grants totaling $4 million to safety net and tribal dental clinics throughout Washington to help prevent the loss of essential oral health care for tens of thousands of vulnerable people due to impacts from the coronavirus pandemic. 

Arcora Foundation is funded by not-for-profit Delta Dental of Washington (DDWA).

Community health centers (CHCs), tribal and Urban Indian dental programs and non-profit dental centers are at the front line of health care services for many at-risk individuals and families in the state, providing free, sliding fee and Medicaid reimbursed dental care to meet immediate and long-term oral health needs. 

CHCs alone serve 30% of the state’s Medicaid-enrolled children and 54% of Medicaid-enrolled adults who receive dental services. These clinics deliver more than 1 million dental visits annually.

Among the programs funded are the ICHS dental clinics, including the one in Shoreline. ICHS received a total of $300,000.

Lower-income people in Washington experience significant health disparities and the disparities are even more significant among Black, Indigenous and other people of color. Oral health disparities were a key consideration and priority for grant funding decisions.

ICHS has continued to stay open and serve their patients and communities during the Stay Home order. They are facing financial issues with a steep decline in patient visits due to COVID-19 but have been pivoting to telehealth visits and are slowly starting to see patient visits rise again.

We are so honored to have received the $300k grant. The grant is for 'fixed costs' so it will help keep our dental clinics open and ready for patients.

COVID-19 drive-thru testing ended at the ICHS Shoreline Clinic on Monday, June 22, 2020. This decision was made with their partners at King County Public Health because of the siting of the recently opened free testing site on Aurora. 12040 Aurora Ave N, 98133 (206) 684-2489 Interpretation available.

However, all community members can still call ICHS at 206-788-3700 for in-language assistance on where to get a COVID19 test.




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Letter to the Editor: Shorewood High School landscaping

Photo by Craig Schoch
To the Editor:

In 2013 Shorewood High School was a brand-new facility with beautiful landscaping. The tax payer funded school included a new irrigation system, manicured bushes, plants and lawns. The maintenance of the grounds has declined since the school opened.

Over the years I have seen the landscaping become overgrown with weeds, plants die due to inactivated irrigation systems, and bushes removed. On June 13th I observed that the landscaping on the south end of the campus was completely overgrown. The grass has recently been mowed with all the long clippings left behind. No trimming was done around the trees, fencing, or poles. On June 22nd no further progress had been made.

Shorewood High School and the grounds should be a shining example of our community and instead they are an embarrassment. I do not understand why the grounds have never been maintained properly.

Covid 19 paused the maintenance for a short time but the deterioration that has been progressing for years is just more noticeable due to the recent situation.

Parkwood Elementary, Kellogg Middle, and Einstein Middle schools are currently under construction. Those properties will have irrigation systems and new landscaping. Why should we continue to pay for new landscaping that will not be maintained?

Craig Schoch
Shoreline



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Snohomish County again denies BSRE application for Point Wells

Point Wells from the north
Photo by Jo Simmons
From the Sno-King Environmental Protection Coalition

Snohomish County has finally released its recommendation on BSRE's latest development application for Point Wells, and once again is saying "No".

The County had previously denied BSRE's application in 2018, but BSRE won the right to re-apply. 

Their new application submitted last December called for a slightly smaller development but did nothing to address many of the objections raised by the County back in 2018.

Still no mass transit and still building in a hazardous area 

The two biggest problems the County found with the original application were no access to mass transit and placing buildings in a landslide hazard area where buildings are not allowed. Instead of addressing these issues in the new application BSRE asked the County to grant them variances that would allow BSRE to just ignore those requirements. The County found that BSRE did not meet the requirements necessary to grant the variances so refused the request. As far as the County was concerned that essentially killed the application.

Next steps

The County's recommendation to deny the application now goes to the Hearing Examiner. By law the Hearing Examiner is not required to follow the County's recommendation and has the power to ignore the recommendation and approve the application with or without specific limitations. While possible, we believe approval in any condition is unlikely to happen since BSRE has not resolved the issues that caused the Hearing Examiner to deny the original application.

The Hearing Examiner will set a date for a public hearing and then issue a ruling. If the ruling is to deny the application, BSRE can ask for the Hearing Examiner to reconsider the ruling, then appeal the ruling to the County Council, then appeal the Council's ruling to Superior Court. BSRE took all these steps with the original application, so we should be prepared for the same extended process again.

1922 Photo by Chas Laidlaw in the MOHAI collection 

It's not clear when the current pandemic situation will ease enough to allow the date for the public hearing to be set. Complicating matters even more, BSRE has asked the Hearing Examiner to delay the public hearing until after the Court of Appeals issues a ruling on BSRE's appeal of the denial of their first application (yes, that first application is not officially totally dead yet).

The Hearing Examiner asked BSRE to submit a brief explaining why he should delay the public hearing so the decision on that request won't come until sometime in July.

Quick update on BSRE vs. Paramount Petroleum

We've heard nothing new on the parallel legal action between BSRE and Paramount Petroleum, the former owner and current tenant on the Point Wells property. As we covered in our last newsletter, BSRE is suing Paramount to force them to dismantle all the equipment on the site since Paramount's 10 year lease is ending. In turn, Paramount is suing BSRE to get back ownership of the property claiming BSRE did not fulfill all the terms of the sales contract. As far as we can tell there has been no resolution yet.



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Dogwood

Photo by Lee Lageschulte


The dogwood blossoms are spectacular this year.



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Masks required for every Washingtonian starting Friday

Beginning June 26, every Washingtonian in an indoor public space, or in an outside public space when unable to physically distance from others, will be legally required to wear a face covering

Gov. Jay Inslee and Secretary of Health John Wiesman announced on Tuesday a statewide mandatory face covering order that will take effect Friday, June 26.

The order comes after a Saturday announcement of a mandatory mask proclamation for Yakima County starting this week. The order was in response to reports of increasing case counts and a potential overwhelming of the county’s health care system.

After subsequent reports of cases increasing in additional counties, the governor and Wiesman extended the face covering requirement today to include the entire state of Washington.

“As necessary economic activity increases and more people are out in their communities, it is imperative that we adopt further measures to protect all of us,” Inslee said during a press conference Tuesday. “Until a vaccine or cure is developed, this is going to be one of our best defenses.”

Wearing a mask is one of the most effective things people can do to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Recent models suggest that the incidence of COVID-19 cases can be reduced if the majority of the population are wearing masks. This correlation has been seen in other countries that have been able to lower the curve through mask usage.

As with previous orders, there will be specific exemptions for those who may be adversely impacted by wearing a facial covering. These exemptions include those with certain medical conditions and children under the age of two, who should not wear a face covering. Children aged two, three and four are encouraged, but not required, to wear a face covering in public with the assistance and supervision of an adult.

In addition, individuals may remove face coverings under certain circumstances, including while eating or drinking at a restaurant; while communicating with a person who is Deaf or hard of hearing; and while outdoors in public areas, provided that a distance of six feet is maintained from people who are not members of their household.

Read the full story on the Governor's Medium page



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Alpha Delta Kappa grant helps provide Y recess program at 10 elementaries

Pearl Noreen

By Mary Jo Heller

Washington State Grants from Alpha Delta Kappa are awarded at the State Convention. This year the convention, like so many during this time, was held as a virtual convention over Zoom on June 20, 2020.

Money is intended for members who are engaged in innovative practices within the field of education.

Pearl Noreen became aware of a problem with elementary school children, who, after recess, were not returning to the classroom ready to learn. As a member of the YMCA Board, Pearl asked the Y if they would partner with Alpha Delta for the grant.

The Y Play Everyday recess program is offered two days a week in 10 Shoreline elementary schools. Led and facilitated by the students at the schools and YMCA staff, this joint venture is also intended to enable students as leaders.

Playground activities include music games, structured activities, conflict resolution, and social development. This expensive program is funded also by donations other than Alpha Delta.

Pearl received $1500 from Alpha Delta Kappa to further these activities, which empower youth with the knowledge and confidence they need to regularly engage in physical activity. 

The goal is to get kids moving, increasing their interest in physical activity and encouraging them to make that activity part of their everyday lifestyle. This program has also shown that when the children return to the classroom with increased activity, their attention and participation in class has increased.

Dallas Wood is the director of Y Play Everyday and will be featured at an upcoming Alpha Delta chapter meeting to explain the program further with a video presentation when the Alpha Delta chapter is able to meet again, or through Zoom this coming school year.

Pearl modestly commented "Courtney Kippenhan Whitaker developed the program. Dallas Wood runs it beautifully! I just wrote a grant...."

We look forward to seeing schools back in session and working with the YMCA whenever that happens. Children need the extra guided activity, and the grant will be well used.



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Notes from Shoreline City Council June 22, 2020

Pam Cross, reporter
Shoreline City Council Meeting
June 22, 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.

Proclamation
Mayor Hall, on behalf of the Shoreline City Council, proclaimed the month of July 2020 as PARKS, RECREATION AND CULTURAL SERVICES MONTH.

Report of the City Manager.
John Norris, Assistant City Manager,  provided the report.

Fireworks
Reminder: Fireworks are illegal in Shoreline. Signs are currently being posted. Please report to 911 in case of fire or the police non-emergency line 206-296-3311 for fireworks infraction. The specific address is helpful.

Juneteenth
Visit a virtual exhibition of Shoreline voices discussing how families celebrate the holiday as well as what it means and why it is important. These short videos have been created in partnership with Black Lives Matter Shoreline.  More information : shorelinewa.gov/art

Shoreline Climate Challenge
This fun and easy event is now through October 31, 2020. Learn about and implement actions to protect our environment. There are activities for youth and for renters. You can create your household profile and view your footprint, create or join a team with friends and neighbors, or choose from a list of actions and earn points.There is special recognition for the team with the most points.
Visit ShorelineClimateChallenge.org for information.

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

COVID-19 Update
King County is now in Phase 2.0 of the Safe Start Plan.

This allows gatherings of 5 people from outside the household; outdoor recreation with up to 5 people from outside the household; in-store retail, personal and professional services, and pet grooming at limited capacity; construction and manufacturing with PPE. Changes since Stage 1.5: restaurants at 50% capacity for indoor as well as outdoor dining, and gyms and fitness facilities at limited capacity.  Details at shorelinewa.gov/covid

Please continue hand washing, practice physical distancing, and wear a face mask when physical distancing is not possible.

City Hall remains closed to the public although most operations have resumed. City staff are working hard to provide City services while keeping the community safe and healthy. Contact shorelinewa.gov/remoteservices

Public Reminders
  • This is the last Council meeting before recess. The next Council meeting will be Monday, July 13th.
  • The PRCS/Tree Board will hold a remote meeting Thursday June 25th at 7:00pm
  • The Planning Commission will hold a remote meeting Thursday July 2nd at 7:00pm

Council Reports

Councilmember McGlashan attended the joint meeting of the three transportation forums where guest speaker Congressman Adam Smith spoke about the Invest in America Act. It would enable the completion of critical projects through long-term, sustainable funding by authorizing $494 billion over five years, but it sounded unlikely to pass by the end of the year. Sound Transit and Metro provided updates on COVID-19 recovery.

Councilmember Chang attended a joint meeting of the Regional Transit Committee and Mobility and Environment Committee. They are still continuing suspended fares. Ridership is beginning to stabilize so some routes are being restored. However, they are looking at service cuts instead of expanding due to reduced revenue.

Mayor Hall advised that Councilmember Robertson will be the City’s representative on the North King County Shelter Task Force.

Mayor Hall, on behalf of the Council, thanked the outgoing youth members Erik Ertsgaard and Ivan Brown for their input and service as members of the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services/Tree Board.

Public Comment 

John Hoey, chair of the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services/Tree Board expressed his thanks to the outgoing youth members Erik Ertsgaard and Ivan Brown, and congratulated the new members David Lin and Haley Berkman.

Approval of the Agenda adopted by unanimous consent.
The Consent Calendar adopted unanimously by roll call vote.

Study Item 8(a) Discussing the King County Metro North Link Connections Mobility Project
Nytasha Walters, Transportation Services Manager introduced
  • Rob Gannon, King County Transit General Manager
  • David VanderZee, King County Transit Planner
Rob Gannon

In response to the pandemic, ridership quickly dropped from 400,000 by 70-75% resulting in still sizable 100,000 daily trips. This has remained consistent for the past three months. Their response to COVID-19 focuses on safety for riders and employees. It involves more daily cleaning of buses, masks for operators, PPE for all frontline workers, temporarily suspended fares, rear door boarding only, reduced service network but additional trips on high demand routes to minimize crowding. Passengers are required to wear masks. Fares may return on July 1st,  but that is a target, not a firm date.

Some service has returned over the weekend in response to ridership needs and to assist in restoring some service as industries reopen. At the same time they want to continue to minimize crowding. Through the summer, they want to continue Saturday service on a weekday schedule and focus on all-day instead of peak service. They don’t expect to add changes until September when they plan to restore about 50 routes.

The level of the system we had prior to COVID-19 could be years away due to both reduced ridership and limited resources.

Existing service guidelines are the means by which they will address how they reduce the system.

Mobility framework helped determine where needs are greatest, including historically underserved communities. They are faced with a dueling set of priorities to reduce the system while increasing service where it is needed most.

Dave VanderZee

This presentation focused on the Northlink Connections Mobility Project which covers Northgate, Roosevelt and the U-District Stations. The project goals are to respond to changing mobility needs, equitably inform and engage those customers, and deliver integrated service with light rail.

They are near the middle of the project. They continue to listen to feedback, and will come back to the public before finalizing the concept in spring 2021. Communication has been a problem since they were unable to offer in-person meetings and open houses.

East-West Service connecting to Northgate Station will involve replacing routes, renumbering, revising, and adding multiple routes. North-South service changes include re-orienting routes 301 and 304 to Northgate Station and revised peak routes within Shoreline neighborhoods. These are early plans and they continue to work ensuring consistent travel times and limiting the number of required transfers.

DISCUSSION

Community Transit is focusing on the Aurora Transit Center. What will happen with the 192nd P/R? Reply: there will be some service including the Rapid Ride but we’re not focused there yet because that’s 2024.

How are you evaluating the time? Have you looked at the total time for the trip? If it’s longer, people will not take it.
Reply: Plan is to make sure travel times are either maintained or improved with the transfer. Proposing increased frequency to minimize variability in overall time including transfer. Still looking at this for next phase of engagement.
Our main concern is 195th and 185th stations. If it is too hard to get on Link, people will drive. We are hoping for local routes that are direct shots to the station. If you have to make a change before getting to link, no one will want that extra change.

It didn’t seem that people who ride the bus were really getting the status of changes except through the notices on the buses.
Reply: we are working on engagement. Transit alerts are available, there is a project website, major employers are being contacted. We would love to hear ideas once they get to this phase.

How does the budget affect this?
Reply: A number of routes are being reduced. We are still looking at this. A year ago, we were conservative in our approach but we don’t know how budget shortfalls (such as lack of funding from Seattle Transit Authority) will affect this. Doing the best we can with available resources.
We are years away from our normal transportation.

People aren’t returning to their bad habits of driving, it’s just that people are moving around less. Correct?
Reply: it’s anybody’s guess. Ridership behavior will change in the future. There will be telework, continued fear of virus, maybe more single occupant vehicles too. Need to bring back ridership the best we can over the next 2.5 years with a major budgetary shortfall.

What about the battery powered buses?
Reply: Battery program for buses is off the table. Disappointing that we can’t do it. The county’s plan was to transform King County Metro into a zero-emissions fleet by 2040.

When will this be looked at again?
Reply: when money becomes available. It means major expenditures for buses and charging infrastructure. Don’t know what kind of buses they will invest in as we go.

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

Review of 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 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP).

Tricia Juhnke, City Engineer
Randy Witt available for questions

Some of the projects we’ve completed in the past two years are the North Maintenance Facility, new playground equipment for Shoreview and Twin Ponds parks, school zone flashers, and some sidewalks.

Completed projects, fund summaries, updated project expenditures, projections for REET (real estate and excise tax) and other details are available in the staff report. .

These projections will be updated later this summer but right now we are looking at about a $850M shortfall or reduction.

General capital fund
The general capital fund that supports facilities and parks has limited funding available for new projects/programs. Debt service on city hall also comes out of this. Current projects include the City Maintenance Facility Phase 1 (design), playground replacement, PROS Plan acquisition for purchase of the storage court as well as some other properties. The community aquatics center design and projections for construction have been removed. However some money has been set aside for future planning and assessment for a future facility.

Upcoming needs:
  • Demolition or decommissioning of Shoreline Pool, estimated at $1M
  • Twin Ponds Turf Replacement in 2026
  • Grant matches for Kruckeberg Environmental Building and Boeing Creek and Shoreview Park Trails.

Facilities Major Maintenance fund
Pool maintenance has been removed since we have ceased operations.
Richmond Highlands Rec Center needs a new roof and fire suppression system. We have funding for design and a grant for roof replacement, but are still working on funding for the fire suppression system.

Surface Water Utility fund addresses operating and capital expenditures. 2018 master plan is still the guide. It established rate structure, developed projects and priorities, and bond issuance.

Project updates
  • Hidden Lake Dam removal moving forward with design, probably 2022 construction
  • Pump Station 26 assessed and we will need to fully rebuild higher than expected
  • 25th Ave NE flood reduction project now in design 
  • (new) Westminster stormwater pipe replacement part of our agreement with developer Merlone Geier 
Roads capital fund was impacted by I-976 eliminating the $20 VLF (vehicle license fee) and the reduced REET. The negative fund balance limits the ability to add new projects and programs.
In the past we have set aside a portion of REET ($100,000 TO 250,000/year) to be used as a grant match. We may be unable to set aside this amount in the future.

Current project updates
  • There are two projects in design as part of our new priority sidewalk program.
  • Sidewalk rehabilitation is basically eliminated due to loss of VLF.
Annual road surface maintenance
Historically, this program was funded by the ongoing revenue source from the original Transportation Benefit District’s $20 per vehicle VLF. The program will be maintained in 2021-2022 with existing unallocated Roads Capital reserves. In 2023, the program will be reduced to $530,000 per year consistent with the program funding excluding VLF, unless another revenue source is identified to increase the funding levels.

The City is working on several projects all over the City. They are in different stages of funding, and in different phases of development. More details available in the staff report.

DISCUSSION

The adoption of the CIP comes in October or November, so there is time to let staff know if we want to add projects, right?
Reply: Now would be a great time to bring those items up. Some projects will be agenda items on their own. The sooner you bring up an idea, the easier it is for staff to develop it, cost it, schedule it for review and to amend the CIP.

Timing and sequencing of flood reduction project and surface water management. Can the sequencing be changed?
Reply: it would be a challenge but we can take a look.

6 years seems like a long time to look at a flood control project.
Reply: there are a couple of other pieces to that project. We also need to work with LFP on a culvert that is a critical piece.

In the General capital fund section, we should be cautious about spending more money on Maintenance Facility right now if there is still a funding shortfall.
Reply: North Maintenance Facility Phase 1 money is already available and set aside.

$1M to decommission the pool? Plywood and padlocks is a better more cost effective idea. Or we could defer the cost of tearing down. If SD wants to use it, we could gift it to them. But SD will have same operating costs. If no one wants to operate it, we can board it up for a while, but eventually it will have to come down. Either way, we will save $850,000/year operating costs and we only have to pay for the demolition or decommissioning once.
Reply: Still looking at options for the pool. Demolition at $1M is the most expensive option. Decommission can be less - just remove water and board up. We will discuss these options as we move forward. City manager Debbie Tarry: remember the pool is on School District property so they have interest in the decision.

When we did the last part of Aurora, didn’t we suspend the 1% for arts? It may be reasonable to take this same action (suspend) to give us more funds. It would provide $600-700k. Don’t know if want to suspend full 1% of arts but the 1% will cost the taxpayers $656,000 more to do the projects. Adding cost when we are reducing everything else? This is a bad time to add cost to projects, and with the bond measure failing last fall, we should look for ways to reduce cost to taxpayers. These are strange unpredicted times. On the other hand, art is still valuable. Don’t want to defund arts. We need art to keep Shoreline an enjoyable, thriving and creative place to live while getting through these difficult times. Circumstances change all of the time. Parks and sidewalks are critical. So are water systems. A budget shortfall is not a reason to reopen this discussion .

Reply: the number shown in the staff report is illustrative - not comprehensive across all the projects or all of the funds. It’s hard to break out what’s old and carried forward, and what is new. These construction projects won’t be done for years.  For the Aurora Project, the 1% was suspended for the third mile, and then reevaluated at the end of the project based upon funding available. There was funding available so the 1% for the arts was able to be contributed.

We may want to revisit suspending the 1% for arts. Because the circumstances have changed so dramatically, and are so severe, it might be prudent to look at this. But let’s get more data first. We would like to fund everything, but it’s the taxpayers’ money

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

Don Moritz, Human Resources Director, provided the staff report

Organization agility is an essential element for employee policies. COVID-19 has highlighted this need.

We want rules that have minimal impact to operations as well as employees while making sure we remain compliant with the law.

Policy changes to the layoff policy strengthen management’s right to implement a reduction in force. These proposed changes affirm and clarify due process rights for employees who are impacted by a layoff. They add employee rights to meet with the decision maker prior to implementing layoffs, offer the city manager alternatives (transfers or voluntary demotion) to mitigate layoffs, and modify the severance package from a single to a graduated scale based on years of service.

Our current policy does refer to furlough as an option to layoff, however it does not provide a description, explain how It would be administered, or how it would impact the employee’s wages, hours or working conditions, benefits or employee’s rights. Adding this section will add clarity in the event there is a furlough.

DISCUSSION

Is meeting with individuals for layoffs, rather than when termination for cause, a legal requirement? Reply: there is a court case pending where the employee was not provided the opportunity to provide mitigating information for consideration. City attorney King agrees with reply made. The 9th Circuit tends to interpret things broadly.
Even if not the law, it is a great policy. It provides the employee with an opportunity to be heard. With a furlough, the focus is on eliminating the position and not the person.
Everybody knows there’s a chance of layoff or furlough. The options are clearly laid out in the changes. Hope we never use furlough. It plays havoc with morale.

Severance pay is not a reward like a raise or a promotion. We can’t keep you but here’s something to make the transition easier. Severance pay should be fair. The amount is tied to salary and the term of payment should not be tied to years of service. Receiving from 2-12 weeks pay depending on years of service is less fair.
Reply: it’s a judgement call. It’s a different perspective. It is often harder for more senior people to find employment so in that sense they need more time. Appreciate feedback and direction from Council.

How do we decide who gets laid off? Are we supposed to decide who gets laid off based on tenure? Reply: One consideration is retention of skills plus seniority. Operational business needs should be primary.
Fairness is important. Treating everybody the same seems more fair. And we also need the appearance of fairness. We can’t change policy to benefit certain individuals. Doing it now raises a flag whether it’s a fair basis.
The City is self-insured for unemployment so when the financial crisis is so severe, this is the worst time to have to pay extra severance.

We should learn more about what other cities offer.
Reply: They surveyed 15 cities and he will provide the information.
We should make sure that the cities that responded to the survey are representative. We need to identify if there’s a bias in the surveys.

On a different topic, while we are amending the Employee Handbook we should consider adding Juneteenth as holiday or partial holiday (where you can choose what holiday you want to take). But we may want to discuss at a future time.
It would better discussed as separate agenda item. It does not match the title of this agenda item. And would like to have more staff time on it.

Request staff prepare amendment to remove change in severance as an option. And also look forward to information from other cities. Finally, a middle ground alternative to the generous severance is requested.

Announcement
Next meeting in 2 weeks. During these two weeks, Deputy Mayor Scully will be Acting Mayor.

Meeting adjourned. 9:30pm 


Correction: New youth members are David Lin and Haley Berkman. Their names were misspelled in the original article.

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COVID-19 response prompts another $86M in emergency funding from county

County councilmember Rod Dembowski

The King County Council has approved a third round of emergency funding in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Councilmember Rod Dembowski stated “This supplemental budget prioritizes emergency health, housing and food security investments in response to COVID-19. 
"I thank our federal delegation for its hard work to secure these funds. They have proven essential to combat the pandemic and address its economic impacts.”

Adopted unanimously Tuesday afternoon, the $86.2 million supplemental omnibus budget provides funding for a variety of programs, headlined by a $12 million increase for food security, rental assistance, homeless services and a variety of measures to boost social programs and address structural racism.

The budget also includes millions to support digital equity in K-12 schools and further invest in behavioral health issues that have skyrocketed during the pandemic. The proposal also includes a provision to supply Metro buses with face masks to help slow the spread of COVID-19. A full copy of the budget is attached.

“Because of COVID-19, families, communities, workers and businesses across King County are hurting health wise, emotionally and financially,” said King County Council Budget Chair Jeanne Kohl-Welles. 
“This spending package is aimed at providing relief to their urgent needs and from the economic fallout caused by the pandemic. It also will help position our County to bounce back once the crisis is behind us. 
"And, importantly, the funding is targeted to support historically disadvantaged communities that have been disproportionately impacted by this pandemic – an important step to take if we are to dismantle and disrupt racism in our communities once and for all.”

The Council first approved $27.4 million in the first COVID-19 emergency funding measure in March and another $62.9 million was approved in mid-May. As with prior measures, King County expects much of the emergency spending to be reimbursed by state and federal funds.



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Jerry's Garden: orange peels

Tuesday, June 23, 2020

Flower and photo by Jerry Pickard

Ok, so it's not really orange peels. Jerry just forgot to tell me what it was and I think it looks like a pile of orange peels - which I appreciate for their citrus fragrance.

Apologies to readers who get apoplectic when I publish flower photos without identifying them.

--Diane

Update: Contributor Martin Král tells me this is the yellow alstroemeria (A. lutea), which is the wild form of this Peruvian native.



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A sold out evening at Shorewood High School for the Pop-Up Drive-In


Story and photos from Shoreline LFP Arts Council, organizer of the event

The Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Arts Council’s new summer Pop-Up Drive-In Series kicked off night one at Shorewood High School in front of a sold out crowd this past Saturday night. Thank you to everyone who joined us for this first time adventure for the Arts Council!

For opening night we unlocked the Shoreline Short Short Film Festival vault and picked a variety of award winners and highly rated films from previous seasons to screen.



All of the films were made in Washington and many of the filmmakers were in attendance including Sam Kelly Jr., producer of The Claw from All is Well Studios.

“The Claw was always intended to play large and loud. With film festivals switching to being online, it was a tremendous feeling to see it screen on a big screen to a sold out crowd of cars.  
"We heard laughs across the parking lot, and people honked during the opening of the event. This event is bringing joy at a time where filmmakers can rarely see things with an audience. We loved it!” - Sam Kelly Jr.
The audience was asked to vote for the People’s Choice Award and the winner was 2018 Best Picture and Surprised by Shoreline recipient Dinosaurs in the Hood by Long Tran and Nikkia Atkinson. Congrats! You can view the film online here. Warning: it contains language that some will find offensive.

Cars entered the parking lot between 8-9pm with their friends, family, dogs, blankets, lawn chairs, snacks, and masks. Everyone tuned their radios/speakers to a created FM station and maintained physical distancing from car to car throughout the evening.



The series will run through early August. To ensure our communities safety, we have designed the evenings to comply with current state health guidelines. Drive in through our contactless entry system - before you arrive, grab take-out from local restaurants (interactive map here), and settle in for a relaxing night watching film history masterpieces, or a mix of our most loved short films by our very own local talent.

Tickets now on sale for our July 11 screening of the ghoulish classic, Night of the Living Dead (1968). This film is unrated and contains scenes with violence, nudity, and strong language. Parental discretion is advised. 


Mark your calendars for the other three Pop-Up Drive-In movie nights! July 11, Night of the Living Dead (1968), July 25, The Little Shop of Horrors (1960), and August 8, Washington made short films. All located at Shorewood High School.

Questions? Email Terri Price at programs@shorelinearts.net

This event is presented with support from Jack Malek of Windermere, Shoreline Film Office, Port of Seattle, City of Shoreline, Shoreline Public Schools, the Gloria Bryce Endowment Fund, and individual donations from people like you.

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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Case updates June 22, 2020; COVID-19 crisis in Yakima county

Numbers for Yakima county


In response to “an imminent explosion of the COVID pandemic” in Yakima County, Gov. Jay Inslee announced on Saturday that he will be issuing a proclamation early this week that will require people in public spaces in Yakima County to wear face coverings.

Yakima Valley has the highest per capita rate of COVID-19 on the West Coast and the county has 22 percent of the state’s COVID-19 hospitalizations. Inslee said Yakima County’s case count is higher than the entire state of Oregon, and without immediate action case counts could double in the next two weeks.

Case updates June 22, 2020

United States
  • cases 2,275,645 including 27,616 new in 24 hours
  • deaths 119,923 including 308 since yesterday
Washington state
  • cases 28,870
  • hospitalizations 4,062
  • deaths 1,276
King county
  • cases 9,273
  • hospitalizations 1,547
  • deaths 584
Shoreline
  • cases 383
  • hospitalizations 86
  • deaths 55
Lake Forest Parkcases 35
  • hospitalizations 2
  • deaths 0




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Cactus flower

Photo by Lee Lageschulte

Wasn't that a movie?

Anyway, Lee Lageschulte found these blooms on one of her walks and noted that it's unusual to see blooming cactus around here.

It's unusual to see cactus around here, let alone blooming.

Spectacular, though, aren't' they?

Photo by Lee Lageschulte

Here's one that shows the cactus plant itself.




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Edmonds Driftwood Players cancels 2020 productions

Due to the restrictions in place to reduce the spread of COVID-19, and the commitment to keeping our artists, patrons and community safe and healthy, Edmonds Driftwood Players will not be holding performances for the remainder of 2020.

An announcement of 2021 productions will be made in early fall.

“While it was a difficult decision to make, it was clear that cancelling productions for the year was really the only choice,” says EDP Managing Director Katie Soule. 
“We need to be responsible to our patrons, performers, creative teams, volunteers, and staff. 
"While we’re taking this break, we’ll be making plans to come back stronger than ever next year.”

Any patron requesting a refund for a canceled production, should email Office@edmondsdriftwoodplayers.org or call 425-774-9600.




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Summer Continuing Education classes now online

Are you looking to explore a new hobby, meet a personal goal, or find your next passion project this Summer? Enroll in one of Continuing Education’s online classes and learn something new!

Discover how to stay connected and organized using Google applications in Dive into Google Applications, learn the basics of storytelling with The Writing Experience, or explore classic culinary combinations during Food and Wine Pairing: Understanding the Relationship.

Classes include learning activities, lectures, and discussions in a fun and supportive online environment.

To see a full list of classes, please visit the Continuing Education page or contact continuing-ed@shoreline.edu for more information.




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Scene on the Sound: Kilo Moana

Photo by Jan Hansen



The R/V Kilo Moana is a 56.57 meter Research/Survey Vessel out on a four day mission. She is a super ship with amazing twin hull design that can keep her stable in stormy seas.

She is a 186′ Small Waterplane Area Twin Hull (SWATH) vessel owned by the U.S. Navy and operated by the University of Hawai‘i Marine Center.

The ship acts as a multi-purpose oceanographic research vessel with extensive equipment for geophysical, physical oceanographic, meteorological, and radioisotope research.

--Jan Hansen




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New North City fire station gets a name

Photo by Mike Remarcke

The new fire station 63 being constructed at 1410 NE 180th St, in Shoreline's North City business district got its name installed Monday.

Firefighters are still working from the site in a temporary building behind the new one.



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Disposable wipes are not disposable




By Diane Hettrick

Lake Forest Park has joined every city in Puget Sound and probably in the United States in asking residents not to flush so called "disposable" wet wipes down the drain.

The city of Kirkland placed a temporary reader board in the middle of the road for a month telling people not to flush wet wipes.

At a time when people who don't even go out are obsessively wiping down every surface in their homes for fear of COVID-19 germs, they are flushing those wipes down the toilet.

"But it says 'disposable' on the package!"

Here's what happens to those wipes.


They end up in a massive clog in wastewater systems and the utilities - in this case, Lake Forest Park Public Works - have to get them out.

Public Works has responded to a number of sanitary sewer related issues involving disinfecting wipes and other products labeled “Flushable.”Disinfecting wipes, facial tissues, baby wipes and paper towels should be disposed of in the trash.

No wipes in pipes.



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LFP Council virtual meeting Thursday

City Hall is closed and meetings
are held virtually

The Lake Forest Park City Council will hold its regular meeting Thursday virtually. The meeting, scheduled for 7pm June 25, 2020 is open to public viewing at the time and comments submitted in advance.

Instructions are with the full agenda HERE

The council will issue proclamations for Juneteenth and Pride Month.

The agenda item is a resolution to officially allow all city public meetings to be held electronically during the COVID-19 public health emergency.



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Lake Forest Park Elementary creates a joyous parade for end of year business


Lake Forest Park staff and parents had some end of year business. Families drove their fifth and sixth grade students to the school on June 18, 2020 to pick up their yearbooks and report cards.


The school, parents, and students turned the business into a parade. It was a celebration of their time at LFP, while looking ahead to middle school.



The two grades will be going to Kellogg Middle School next year as the Shoreline School District reconfigures its schools to K-5 elementaries and 6-8 middle schools.



Students returned their library books and school instruments and the school gifted them with a yard sign.



Many families took the occasion to decorate their vehicles with school colors and school mascot, the dolphin.



The cars rolled in starting at 9am, with an hour scheduled for each grade level.

 

Next stop: a brand new Kellogg Middle School.



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Shoreline City Manager recommends permanently closing Shoreline Pool a year early due to significant budget constraints

Monday, June 22, 2020

Shoreline Pool
Photo courtesy City of Shoreline

From the City of Shoreline

Due to significant budget constraints resulting from the economic downturn brought on by the COVID-19 Pandemic, the City Manager is proposing that the Shoreline Pool be permanently closed a year earlier than anticipated. 

Council will discuss the recommendation at its July 13 meeting.

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected individuals, families, and organizations at every level. 

The City is no exception. We have experienced significant financial and operational impacts since the start of the pandemic.

Our forecast shows a more than $6.2 million (16 %) loss in budgeted revenue in 2020. If the economic recovery is protracted, our loss of revenue could extend well into the future. 
  • We are currently forecasting additional revenue losses of approximately $2.15 million in 2021, 
  • $1.54 million in 2022, and 
  • ongoing losses of between 2% to 3% every year over the next eight years. 

We anticipate being able to address the 2020 shortfall through cost savings, expenditure reductions, FEMA funding to address COVID-19 expenditures, and higher than projected revenues from 2019. 

However, moving forward, absent more federal assistance for local governments, we will have to make tough economic decisions that could impact current City programs and services.

The Shoreline Pool needs significant repairs, maintenance, and upgrades to keep it operational. The annual costs to operate the pool exceed the revenue generated from our different swim programs by approximately $800,000 to $850,000 a year. The difference is paid out of the City’s general fund.

Photo by Steven H. Robinson

Because of the COVID-19 Pandemic and the Governor’s Stay Home, Stay Healthy order, the Shoreline Pool has been closed since March. 

If the pool were able to reopen at some time later this year, it would need to follow public health guidelines for social distancing, sanitation, and limited capacity, among other things. 

This could lead to increased costs and substantially reduced revenue, requiring an even bigger subsidy from the City’s general fund to keep it operational. 

After years of providing emergency fixes to keep the aging facility open, the City came to the difficult decision earlier this year to close the Shoreline Pool after the summer of 2021. 

The Shoreline Pool is a popular facility used by the Shoreline and regional community. We appreciate that it is an important community resource and closure will cause disruption to those who use it. 

Unfortunately, the facility has reached the end of its useful life. Faced with the pandemic related restrictions placed on pool operations, the age and maintenance needs of the pool, and our current budget shortfalls, we need to make tough economic choices. 

Closing the Shoreline Pool a year early will help save other ongoing programs that might otherwise need to be cut in order to meet the legal requirement to have a balanced budget.

The City placed a bond measure on the November 2019 ballot asking voters to fund a new Aquatic, Recreation and Community Center. Although the measure received a majority “Yes” vote (54%) it did not receive the required 60% “Yes” vote to pass.

The cost of a new facility was a significant concern for many residents. Many people asked the City to look at ways to collaborate with other agencies or private organizations to help bring down those costs. 

Over the next few years, we will look at several options for a new facility, including collaborating with other organizations in a joint venture. 

We hope to bring forward some type of proposal for a new Shoreline aquatic facility in the future.



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