Notes from Shoreline Council meeting November 9, 2020

Thursday, November 12, 2020

Pam Cross, Reporter
Shoreline City Council Meeting
November 9, 2020

Notes by Pam Cross

The meeting was held remotely using the Zoom platform.

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

Proclamation of Veterans Appreciation Day

In recognition of our veterans, a pre-recorded Veteran’s Day celebration and recognition event was created. There is a YouTube link available on the City’s website so you can watch it at any time. It is also being broadcast on Comcast Channel 21 Nov 11-13 at 10am and 3pm.

For more information and YouTube link: shorelinewa.gov/calendar

Report of the City Manager, Debbie Tarry

COVID-19 Update

Case counts in King County are at an all time high. The average over the past 14 days was 148 new cases per 100,000 residents. The target is 25.

In Shoreline we’ve had 75 new cases in the last two weeks. When the pandemic started most cases were in nursing homes or other long-term care facilities. The cases now are all throughout our community. So even though we’re getting tired of this, please continue to take prevention measures seriously. It’s not too late to make a difference.

Wear a face covering, especially indoors in public settings regardless of the distance between people. Remember the guidance is wear a mask AND maintain at least six feet of distance from others. Limit the number of people you are with, and the time you are with them. Avoid large gatherings. Do what you can to improve indoor ventilation by opening windows as much as you can. More fresh air means lower risk of infection. Wash hands frequently and clean surfaces often.

Get tested at the first sign of illness.

More information available at shorelinewa.gov/covid

Public Artwork

Shoreline Soundshell Internatural Station has been installed at The Park at Town Center. This was made possible by the City’s 1% for Art program.

Documentary screening online via Zoom: The Story of Plastic

Join us Saturday, November 14, 11am to noon for a virtual screening and panel discussion of this documentary. The film takes a sweeping look at the man-made crisis of plastic pollution and the worldwide effect it has on our planet and its inhabitants. Register to attend and for more information go to shorelinewa.gov/calendar

145th Interchange Online Open House

Learn about the current challenges at the 145th and I-5 interchange and our plans to address those challenges. Share what’s important to you and provide your comments October 26 through November 20. Go to 145thInterchange.infocommunity.org

Public Reminders

City Hall will be closed November 11 in honor of the Veterans Day holiday.

Mayor Hall recognized all those who participated in the Shoreline Climate Challenge and the winning teams shown below.


Council Reports

None

Public Comment
  • Kathleen Russell, Shoreline, Save Shoreline Trees - Spoke to prevent cutting of landmark trees 140 and 145 
  • Bergith Kayyali, Shoreline - Spoke against the cutting of trees throughout the City 
  • Jacqueline Kurle - Spoke against the enhanced shelter
Approval of the Agenda adopted by unanimous consent.

The Consent Calendar adopted unanimously by roll call vote.


ACTION ITEM 8(a) Public Hearing on Ordinance No. 903 - 2021-2022 Proposed Biennial Budget and the 2021-2026 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP)

This report supports the City Council’s continued discussion following the November 2 public hearing of the 2021-2022 Proposed Biennial Budget and 2021-2026 CIP.

Rick Kirkwood, Budget and Tax Manager, did the presentation

The Biennial Budget is available online at the City’s website shorelinewa.gov
  • Click on Budget and CIP Policies under the Government Plan
  • Budget Books on CD available for purchase at City Hall
The presentation included a review of the fund sources and the expenditures covered at last week’s meeting.

Last week Council directed staff to draft a resolution of substantial need. Proposed Resolution #468, providing for the substantial need, will be presented to the Council for action on the Nov 16th agenda. Ordinance #902 will also be presented for action on Nov 16th. It has been updated to reflect adoption of Resolution #468. Should the Council not adopt #468, then Ordinance 902 will need to be amended to reflect the dollar and percentage increase of 0.87%.

Staff was asked by Councilmember Roberts to obtain the cost of 160’ of sidewalk on 200th between 25th Ave.NE and the Aldercrest Campus. This will be discussed in the staff report for the Nov 16th Council meeting.

Opened public testimony

Public Comment - none

DISCUSSION
There were no additional questions or comments from the Council.


ACTION ITEM 8(b) Public Hearing and Discussion of Ordinance No. 908 – Amending Shoreline Municipal Code Title 20 to Adopt Chapter 20.94, Point Wells – Planned Area 4

In accordance with RCW 35A.14.340, Council is holding the first of two required public hearings on the proposed pre-annexation zoning and development regulations in proposed Ordinance No. 908. The Planning Commission has recommended the City Council approve the proposed amendments, adding a new Chapter 20.94 entitled Point Wells – Planned Area 4.

Andrew Bauer, Senior Planner, did the presentation

Background

Briefly, Point Wells consists of 61 acres located in unincorporated Snohomish County that has been in industrial use for more than 50 years. It is adjacent to Woodway on the North and East, Shoreline on the South, and Puget Sound on the West. The only vehicle access is through Shoreline. An active rail line, owned by Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF), bisects a portion of the subarea on the East.

The City of Shoreline and Town of Woodway entered into a settlement and an Interlocal Agreement (ILA) in late 2019. The ILA aligns Shoreline and Woodway on many key issues. The City and the Town of Woodway have formed a joint work group with representatives from each jurisdiction to prepare a shared set of subarea plan policies and development regulations for the Point Wells Subarea intended to be implemented upon annexation by either Woodway or Shoreline. Per the agreement, Woodway has the first option to annex it. If Woodway does not annex Point Wells, then Shoreline would have the opportunity to do so.

The ILA also sets out how development would occur, addressing transportation, a secondary access through Woodway, residential density, public access to the shoreline building height and many other key features that have been in dispute for several years.

As provided in the ILA, a joint work group consisting of staff from the two jurisdictions was formed to develop a common set of policies and development regulations to be recommended for consideration to each respective Planning Commission and City Council. The draft Point Wells Subarea Plan and associated Planned Area 4 (PA 4) development regulations are the result of the joint work group’s efforts. They have been reviewed by the planning commission for tonight’s discussion.

Woodway’s planning commission forwarded their recommendations to their town council last week.

Proposed Ordinance No. 908 would adopt the zoning designation for the planned area “Planned Area 4,” and then implement regulations for this new zoning regulations.


*ADT - average daily trips
*LOS - level of service
*V/C - volume to capacity

The maximum density of the residential was 44 units per acre. After discussions with Woodway staff on this subject, we are proposing that be changed to “net“ acre in order to remove the unbuildable areas (roads, open spaces, underwater, critical areas and their buffers). The difference is substantial.

Opened public testimony

Public Comment

Jacqueline Kurle expressed concern about potential increased traffic on Richmond Beach Road and asked for confirmation there will be secondary access through Woodway.

DISCUSSION

Staff response to public comment: 4,000 ADT (average daily trips) will apply generally. Those traffic restrictions are effective now. Any new growth will be subject to that restriction.

Staff response to public comment: Assuming that the standards adopted by Woodway and Shoreline stipulate that it will be provided, secondary access will apply whether Shoreline or Woodway does development at Point Wells.

The staff report proposes
“Any combination of residential or commercial development or redevelopment that would generate 250 or more average daily trips shall provide a general-purpose public access road wholly within the Town of Woodway…”

What if a developer put in a few smaller projects that individually never hit 250 but did hit it cumulatively? Could the developer object to the access road because he “never hit 250” on a single project?

Reply: the intent is that once 250 ADT are generated, regardless of how you divide up your development, that the secondary road will be required. Staff will take another look at this verbiage.

Does the proposed code allow alternative street design, like a pedestrian street?

Reply: streets shown are the starting point, not a full analysis of all possible options. This question will be addressed in the development agreement. 

Didn’t Woodway start annexing the eastern portion?

Reply: they have the upper bluff area annexed, east of the railroad tracks. They annexed just the bluff. The upper area is not included in our slide. Mostly we’re talking about the western area.

Are the regulations Woodway is working on matching up with ours so if Woodway annexes, our interests are protected?

Reply: We have ILA protecting the interests of each other. The variation between Shoreline’s and Woodway’s existing standards depend on what is currently in the two city codes. We are in agreement on the main issues. The goal is to have the most alignment possible.

Through the ILA and the regulations discussed tonight, we are protecting all of those issues that were such a fight for so many years. This is a more restrictive subarea plan than what our own City Council initially adopted some 12 years ago or so. It’s a very positive direction.

There will be a second Public Hearing when this is scheduled for adoption, about a month from now.


STUDY ITEM 9(a) Discussing Ordinance No. 909 – 2020 Comprehensive Plan Annual Docket Amendments to the Shoreline Comprehensive Plan

Presentation by Steven Szafran, AICP, Senior Planner

Changes to the Comprehensive Plan are limited to no more than once per year.

The two proposed amendments are:
  1. Amend Table 6.6 of the Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Plan to acquire park and open space between Dayton Avenue and Interstate 5 and between 145th and 165th Streets.
  2. Amend the Point Wells Subarea Plan to be consistent with Interlocal Agreement (ILA) between City of Shoreline and Town of Woodway.
The land use goals and policies will guide future development and implement the shared vision of a pedestrian-oriented primarily residential site.

The capital facilities/utilities goals and policies address urban services such as sewer and water, stormwater, law enforcement, and telecommunication services.

The transportation goals and policies state that Richmond Beach Drive will continue to be classified as a local access street, and secondary access shall be provided by Woodway.

Environmental Preservation/Protection goals and policies include the extensive clean-up and environmental remediation required due to its former industrial use.

A new item is governance that states that the City of Shoreline and the Town of Woodway will continue to work hand in hand in development of this site no matter who eventually annexes it.

Land use policy 51 states that Point Wells will be developed according the ILA and the Planned Area 4 will dictate the zoning if the property is annexed by Shoreline.

DISCUSSION

The transportation requirements are all different measures: average daily trips, level of service and volume to capacity. How do they fit together?

Reply: they are limiting factors. I’m not a traffic engineer but we did discuss this. You could meet one goal while exceeding another. Since it doesn’t meet both criteria, it would not be allowed.

Amendment 1 Parks, Recreation, Open Space (PROS) plan. In the staff report there are two figures $7.2M and $9.9. Are these the existing figures for the entirety of the PROS Plan? And this amendment doesn’t add to those, it just changes the geographic space where the park would be located?

Reply: correct


STUDY ITEM 9(b) Discussing Ordinance No. 907 - Amending Development Code Sections 20.20, 20.30, 20.40, 20.50, and 20.80 for Administrative and Clarifying Amendments

Steven Szafran, AICP, Senior Planner continued presentation

Amendments are collected throughout the year. Most of this group of amendments come from staff based on administrative corrections, clarifications and new policy direction. Anyone may submit an amendment.

The commission reviewed the batch on Aug 20 and Sept 17, and held a public hearing on Oct 1, 2020. Tonight we are going over the administrative (housekeeping) amendments and clarifying amendments. Clarifying amendments are amendments that have been subject to interpretation, generated from previous Code Interpretation decisions, or conflict with other code sections. There are 9 administrative amendments and 23 clarifying amendments.

Staff recommends withdrawing Administrative Amendment #9 regarding local access streets for additional study.

The list and explanation of clarifying amendments is in the staff report.

DISCUSSION

Amendment #18 the tree protection standards. The problems don’t occur during the planning or development stages. The problem is during the developing and lack of monitoring to make sure the fences and trees etc stay in place. What do we do for monitoring?

Reply: There are many different steps involved.

It’s just part of the process? It’s not in the code?

Reply: we will look into what requirements we have in place and get back to you with that.

We need a comprehensive look at our tree protection.

On this same amendment, it states no “development” which is a new word. What does development mean?

Reply: it’s a defined term. Construction, reconstruction, conversion, alterations… there’s a large list of what it means.

Amendment #2 provides the definition of a junk vehicle. How does a code enforcement officer determine that a vehicle is incapable of being operated on a public highway?

Reply: it could be expired tabs or broken tail lights that would make it illegal to drive on the highway.

My concern is a code enforcement officer could make that determination about a vehicle on private property or in the city right-of-way. This could have the effect of criminalizing someone who can’t afford tabs, repair tails lights or pay to fix broken window in car.

John Norris, Assistant City Manager, replies: I hear the concern, but our threshold is pretty high. They look at are the wheels missing? Steering wheel present? It has to be very clearly inoperable.

We have a good enforcement practice, but a code enforcement officer could possibly be pickier.

We don’t want to criminalize poverty. But we do get a lot of calls about junk cars.

Margaret King, City Attorney, pointed out that we are using the State definition for Junk vehicle found in RCW 46.55.010

What if it is clearly junk? What is the procedure?

John Norris replies: It depends where it is, on the public right of way or private property. Our process is to work toward voluntary code compliance. We write at least two letters informing the owner seeking compliance, then tag vehicles that are in the right of way. We can impound only after a second tag. This is generally our procedure.

Linking the code language to the fee schedule is straightforward and appropriate

Mayor Hall has proposed an amendment that parking reductions for low income housing should be combinable with other reductions because parking is a big cost to the developer. It makes sense to combine parking incentives to encourage affordable housing.

Meeting Adjourned.

SHORELINE CITY COUNCIL CLOSED SESSION following regular meeting

CLOSED SESSION PURSUANT TO RCW 42.30.140(4)(b) - Discussing Collective Bargaining

Per 42.30.140(4)(b) Council may hold a closed session to plan or adopt a strategy or position to be taken by the City Council during the course of any collective bargaining.




Read more...

Whitney Potter: Veterans' Day 2020

Wednesday, November 11, 2020

Veterans Day (originally known as Armistice Day) is a federal holiday in the United States observed annually on November 11, for honoring military veterans, It coincides with other holidays including Armistice Day and Remembrance Day which are celebrated in other countries that mark the anniversary of the end of World War I

Major hostilities of World War I were formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, when the Armistice with Germany went into effect. At the urging of major U.S. veteran organizations, Armistice Day was renamed Veterans Day in 1954.

--Wikipedia


Read more...

Mama Otter

Photo by Paul Michel


Mama Otter brought her three babies to visit the Michel family, who live on the shore of Echo Lake. The babies were too shy to have their photo taken this time, but we all hope for more photo opps.



 

Read more...

Case updates November 9, 2020; US exceeds 10 million cases; State Health Officer worried; King county reports highest case numbers this year

King county cases are the highest this year

“I am extremely concerned about what seems to be an accelerating trend in the spread of COVID-19. Immediate action is needed from all of us to avoid new restrictions and prevent our hospitals from becoming overwhelmed.” said State Health Officer Dr. Kathy Lofy.

“This situation is extraordinarily urgent, and we’re running out of time to change direction. We need everyone in Washington state to take action now to stop the spread of COVID-19.”

Case updates November 9, 2020

United States
  • cases 10,036,463 - 122,910 cases since last report
  • deaths 237,037 - 490 deaths since last report

Washington state - *DOH does not report deaths on the weekend
  • cases 120,011 - 1,441 since last report
  • hospitalizations 9,092 - 61 since yesterday
  • deaths* 2,482 - 22 since last report

King county
  • cases 31,576 - 332 since yesterday
  • hospitalizations 2,744 - 101 since yesterday
  • deaths 816 - 4 since yesterday

Shoreline - population 56,752 (2018)
  • cases 759 - 4 since yesterday
  • hospitalizations 113 - 2 new
  • deaths 65 - 0 new

Lake Forest Park - 13,569 (2018)
  • cases 95 - 2 since yesterday
  • hospitalizations 5 - 1 since yesterday
  • deaths 1 - 0 new



Read more...

Lake Forest Park council meetings Thursday

Lake Forest Park City Hall
Photo by Steven H. Robinson
The Lake Forest Park City Council Committee of the Whole (CoW) will meet virtually at 6pm Thursday, November 12, 2020 to continue discussing the Town Center code update.

At 7pm the full council will meet, also virtually.

On the agenda are a legislative update, two proclamations, a public hearing, confirmation of new Tree Board members, and approval of the biennial budget.

The council will proclaim November the:
  • Month of “Movember”
  • National Native American Heritage Month

The public hearing is to present and hear citizen comments on the code updates for Town Center.

HOW TO SUBMIT ORAL AND WRITTEN COMMENTS
https://www.cityoflfp.com/615/Virtual-Meetings-during-COVID-19

Written comments for public hearings will be submitted to Council if received by 5:00pm the date of the meeting; otherwise, they will be provided to the City Council the next day.

Because the City has implemented oral comments, written comments are no longer accepted under Citizen Comments.

Join either council session with this link: https://zoom.us/j/91650638630



Read more...

Jobs: Area Traffic Engineer

WSDOT
Area Traffic Engineer (WMS Band 03)

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is looking to hire an experienced Civil Engineer to provide expert, strategic traffic analysis and design guidance for all WSDOT and external projects and programs within Snohomish, Skagit, Whatcom and Island counties of WSDOT’s Northwest Region (NWR). 

As the Area Traffic Engineer for the Mount Baker and Snohomish areas, this position will ensure consistency with all applicable federal, state, and local policies and standards. The incumbent will provide expert guidance for programs including the NWR Active Transportation Program, the regional Sound Transit program, and other transit agency projects.

This position must routinely apply engineering judgement in the absence of specific design and operation standards, requiring expertise and skills to determine actions in the best interest of WSDOT and the traveling public. If you are interested in taking on this rewarding challenge, we invite you to apply to lead this highly successful program, joining a team of outstanding staff to deliver the best results for WSDOT and the State of Washington.

See link for more information, including details on how to apply: LINK



Read more...

Mid-Week Mash-Up with Chloe Cavender and Kristie Werner


Tune in on Facebook Live for Chloe Cavender and Kristie Werner on Wednesday, November 11, 2020 at 7pm in a free performance, sponsored by the Northshore Performing Arts Foundation (NPAF).

Connect to the performance here


Read more...

Snow on The Brothers

Photo by Jan Hansen



The Olympics have a new coat of snow - which is as it should be. I find it unnerving to see the bare rocks of the Olympics.

--DKH



 

Read more...

Jobs: Scoping Engineer

WSDOT
Scoping Engineer (Transportation Engineer 2)

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) Northwest Region Program Development Office has a great opportunity for an experienced engineer to contribute in the development of the Northwest Region highway construction program. 

The Scoping and Estimating engineer will develop scope and estimates for future preservation, safety improvement and mobility projects that form the construction program. From field work for site investigation and collect data, to crafting a scope and estimate for a highway construction project – this position is an excellent career path for an innovative engineer. 

See link for more information, including details on how to apply: LINK



Read more...

As Rugged as the Rest: A Young Marine’s Journey to Iwo Jima

Joe Boy House did not have to go to war. As the only son in a farming family, he could have gotten a deferment and stayed home. That’s certainly what his parents hoped for. But like millions of other young men after the attack on Pearl Harbor, he answered the call to duty. 

As Rugged as the Rest follows the young Marine on his journey from bootcamp in San Diego to a speck of an island in the Pacific called Iwo Jima. His many letters to his parents and three adoring sisters chronicled his experiences, including a stint as “prison chaser” at the Navy brig in Bremerton, Washington.

Joe Boy was part of the formation of the Marine Corps’ 5th Division at Camp Pendleton and the rigorous amphibious training at Camp Tarawa in Hawaii. And finally, he hit the beaches of Iwo Jima, where one of the bloodiest battles in Marine Corps history was fought.

More than 70,000 Americans landed on that tiny island. This personal story of one includes elements shared by them all.

~~~~
Author Janet Simmeline is a resident of Lake Forest Park. Joe Boy is her uncle and the book is based on his many letters home, interviews with his three sisters — all still living — and "a ton of other research."

There’s a Shoreline scene as well — where he takes a girl on a date to Playland on the shores of Bitter Lake, with its 85-foot Dipper roller coaster and “Canals of Venice.” 

The book is available on Amazon or can be ordered from Third Place Books in Lake Forest Park 206-366-3333.




Read more...

Court of Appeals unanimously upholds $18M penalty against Grocery Manufacturers Association in AG’s campaign finance lawsuit

GMA intentionally shielded its members as the true source of campaign contributions

The Washington State Court of Appeals today unanimously upheld the $18 million penalty in Attorney General Bob Ferguson’s lawsuit against the Grocery Manufacturers Association over its intentional violations of Washington’s campaign finance laws.

GMA, a trade organization of large corporations, including PepsiCo, Inc, Nestle USA, Inc, and The Coca Cola Company, funneled millions of dollars into the state to oppose Initiative 522 without proper disclosure of the source of the funds, with the express intent to “shield individual companies from public disclosure and possible criticism.” GMA is now known as the Consumer Brands Association.

“Dark money has no place in Washington elections,” Ferguson said. “This decision confirms that our courts take intentional violations of our campaign finance laws seriously. My office will continue to stand up for Washingtonians’ right to know who is influencing our elections.”

“The Public Disclosure Commission is pleased to see courts continue to confirm that Washington state’s strong campaign-finance laws have serious consequences for those who attempt to conceal the source of campaign funding,” PDC Chair David Ammons said.

Internal GMA documents obtained as a result of Ferguson’s lawsuit revealed an intentional, systematic effort to conceal the true sources of those contributions to “No on 522.”

In one GMA Executive Committee meeting, the Executive Vice President for Government Affairs noted that the fund would “shield individual companies from public disclosure and possible criticism.”

In April of this year, the Washington State Supreme Court affirmed that GMA’s violations were intentional and reinstated the trial court’s $18 million penalty. It remanded the case back to the state Court of Appeals to consider GMA’s argument that the penalty is excessive under the state and federal constitutions. Today’s ruling confirms the penalty is not excessive.

More information HERE



Read more...

Kruckeberg Botanic Garden Foundation (KBGF) Board of Directors accepting applications for new members

Tuesday, November 10, 2020

Kruckeberg Botanic Garden
The Kruckeberg Botanic Garden Foundation is now accepting applicants to join the Board of Directors, starting in January 2021.

The Kruckeberg Botanic Garden Foundation is a volunteer organization of passionate community members who, through fundraising and grants, support the vision of growing the garden into a resource for learning, gathering, and a place of peace and tranquility for all.

The Kruckeberg Botanic Garden is a unique park in the Richmond Beach Neighborhood in Shoreline that is maintained and preserved by the Foundation in partnership with the City of Shoreline.

In addition to being a beautiful botanic garden filled with native and unusual specimens, it’s also a growing nonprofit.

Please consider joining our Board of dedicated members. We work hard, but we also have a lot of fun along the way.

Photo courtesy KBGF
The ideal candidate:
  • Is passionate about building community
  • Has a desire to help grow the Foundation through fundraising
  • Will support growing outdoor education programming for all ages
  • Enjoys horticulture, botany...plants and gardening!
Board members are expected to:
  • Attend monthly meetings (third Tuesday of each month)
  • Volunteer at garden events
  • Focus on fundraising to further the goals of the foundation
  • Act as an ambassador for the Garden

If you are interested, we'd love to meet you! Please apply by emailing our Board President, Katie Schielke, at katie.schielke@gmail.com by no later than December 15, 2020.

To learn more about the Garden and our offerings to the community, please visit our website at kruckeberg.org.



Read more...

Edwin T. Pratt Scholarships for Students of Color - donate

Bettye, Miriam, and Edwin Pratt
Photo courtesy Miriam Pratt
John and Amy Hinds of Shoreline have set up a fund for scholarships for students of color at Shoreline Community College.

This scholarship will benefit students of color from the Shoreline School District who are attending Shoreline Community College.

The goal is to fund students who may not be able to afford college otherwise.

The scholarship is named for Shoreline icon Edwin T. Pratt.

Edwin T. Pratt was a local civil rights leader in the 1960s. 

In the words of his daughter Miriam, "My father was the Executive Director of the Seattle Urban League and as a resident of Shoreline he worked tirelessly for school desegregation and to provide educational opportunities for all." 

Edwin Pratt was assassinated at his home in Shoreline in 1969. He was 39 years old.

Due to the efforts of then-10-year-old Sarah Haycox and her family, the Edwin Pratt Early Learning Center was recently named in his honor. It is only fitting to continue honoring his legacy by naming this scholarship after him.

Amy and I will match your donation up to $1,500! We want to raise enough funds for multiple scholarships for Students of Color. There is no limit to how much we can collectively raise!

Donate HERE



Read more...

145th St and I-5 Interchange project roundabouts will allow continuous flow of traffic


The City of Shoreline held an online presentation of the 145th Street and I-5 Interchange Project Tuesday, November 10, 2020.

They provide a clear explanation of how roundabouts work to control traffic at busy intersections.

A roundabout allows a continuous flow of traffic, eliminating the stop-and-go backups at lighted intersections, and is shown to reduce serious traffic accidents due to the lower speed and one-way traffic. 

Priorities for the redesign are safety for drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians, and upgrading the intersection to meet ADA requirements. A simulation of how this particular interchange will work will be available on their website next week.

The online open house is available through November 20 HERE

--Pam Cross



Read more...

Shoreline veterans recognition program online

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

November 11, 1919 was initially proclaimed as “Armistice Day” to honor the country’s World War I Veterans.

To pay homage to Veterans of all wars, on June 1, 1954, President Dwight Eisenhower signed into law the renaming of Armistice Day to Veterans Day. 

Wednesday, November 11, 2020, marks the 66th anniversary of Veterans Day in the United States. 

The City of Shoreline and the Shoreline community recognize the dedication and sacrifice that the Veterans of our community, state, and country have made for the cause of freedom and peace. 

We encourage everybody to take a moment to reflect on these contributions and thank a veteran for their service. 

In honor of Veterans Day, the Shoreline Veterans Association, in partnership with the City, will present their annual Veterans Day celebration through a pre-recorded program.

The program will air on Comcast channel 21 on November 11-13 at 10am and 3pm and can be Viewed on the City's YouTube channel




Read more...

Northshore Fire Department Board to meet on merger resolution


Northshore Fire Department Board to Meet on Merger Resolution

Public Invited to Attend and Comment

UPCOMING PUBLIC MEETING - NOVEMBER 17, 2020 at 5:00pm

The Board of Fire Commissioners for the Northshore Fire Department will consider a resolution at its upcoming meeting asking voters to merge with Woodinville Fire and Rescue.

The virtual meeting will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 17 through a link on the Northshore website: https://www.northshorefire.com/about/board-meetings/.

Those unable to attend are welcome to contact Chief Greg Ahearn at (425) 354-1780 or GAhearn@northshorefire.com. All comments are welcome and become part of the public record.

Northshore Fire currently serves the cities of Kenmore and Lake Forest Park, with a station in each city.



Read more...

Veterans, Gold Star Families get free entrance to national parks, refuges, other public lands

Devil's Tower - photo courtesy Dept of VA

From the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Veterans and Gold Star Families will be granted free access to national parks, wildlife refuges and other Federal lands managed by the Department of the Interior starting on Veterans Day this year and every day onward.

“With the utmost respect and gratitude, we are granting Veterans and Gold Star Families free access to the iconic and treasured lands they fought to protect starting this Veterans Day and every single day thereafter,” said Secretary of the Interior David L. Bernhardt.


Entrance fees for the National Park Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and standard amenity recreation fees for the Bureau of Land Management and the Bureau of Reclamation sites will be waived for Veterans and Gold Star Families. 

They will have free access to approximately 2,000 public locations spread out across more than 400 million acres of public lands, which host activities to fit any lifestyle, from serene to high octane, including hiking, fishing, paddling, biking, hunting, stargazing and climbing.

Many Department managed lands have direct connections to the American military, such as frontier forts, Cold War sites, battlefields, national cemeteries, and memorials. 

These special places pay tribute to our veterans and serve as reminders of their courage and sacrifice throughout the history of our nation, from Minuteman National Historic Park where colonists stood in defense of their rights, to Yellowstone National Park, which was protected from vandalism and poaching by the 1st U.S. Cavalry before the National Park Service was established, to Mount Rushmore where modern warriors attend reenlistment ceremonies.

Details on program

For purposes of this program, a Veteran is identified as an individual who has served in the United States Armed Forces, including the National Guard and Reserves, and is able to present one of the following forms of identification:

Gold Star Families are next of kin of a member of the United States Armed Forces who lost his or her life in a “qualifying situation,” such as a war, an international terrorist attack, or a military operation outside of the United States while serving with the United States Armed Forces.

The Interagency America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass Program already includes a free annual pass for active duty members of the U.S. Military and their dependents. Other free or discounted passes are available for persons with permanent disabilities, fourth grade students, volunteers, and senior citizens age 62 years or older.

The Department also offers free entrance days for everyone throughout the year to mark days of celebration and commemoration including the birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr., National Public Lands Day, Veterans Day, and the signing of the Great American Outdoors Act.




Read more...

The sun was shining on the sea


Puget Sound sunset
Photo by Lee Lageschulte


The sun was shining on the sea,
      Shining with all his might:
He did his very best to make
      The billows smooth and bright —
And this was odd, because it was
      The middle of the night.

--Lewis Carroll




Read more...

LFP Rotary gives a shout out to essential workers

LFP rotary members pose with LFP Police officers and staff
Photo courtesy LFP Rotary

Fun was had by all... 12 eager LFP ROTARIANS showed up at city hall to give a GRATEFULNESS shout out to our LFP PD. A 30 second video was produced and posted on FB and Instagram.

Rotary showing appreciation for Albertson's workers
Photo courtesy LFP Rotary

We then skipped across the parking lot (I drove 😜), to honor our essential workers at Albertsons. We caused a stir, but got out of there fast, mask and all. 

I am continually grateful for my rotary family 🙏.

Robin Rotary



Read more...

Help local families access online education for their children

There are families in your neighborhood with multiple children, and no financial means to improve their internet access beyond a single hotspot or traditional internet plan.

Multiple concurrent zoom meetings can quickly outstrip single internet connection – making it impossible for students to stay connected.

The Shoreline Public Schools Foundation (SPSF) is raising funds to purchase 200 hotspots for families with students in Shoreline Public Schools. 

A gift of $250 will support one hotspot for a family for the rest of the school year.


We are halfway to our goal! Please consider making a gift of any size, so we can reach our goal of 200 hotspots. 


**A special thank you to our educational partner, foundry10. Their generous donation allowed us to support 40 families!!



Read more...

Sound Transit hearing on proposed 2021 Budget and Property Tax Levy


Sound Transit will hold a virtual public hearing on Thursday, November 12, 2020 starting at 11am to receive public comment on Sound Transit's proposed 2021 Budget and a proposed action on the 2021 property tax levy of a statutory increase up to 1%. 

Each year, Sound Transit's Finance Department prepares a budget for the coming year. The proposed 2021 budget documents are available for review on their website at http://www.soundtransit.org/About-Sound-Transit/Accountability/Financial-documents.

Information on the proposed action regarding the 2021 property tax levy increase can be found at https://www.soundtransit.org/sites/default/files/documents/2021-budget-property-tax-hearing.pdf

Information about how to sign up for comment and how to join the meeting is available at https://www.soundtransit.org/get-to-know-us/news-events/calendar/public-hearing-2021-property-tax-levy-proposed-2021-budget-2020.

In order to comment at the virtual public hearing, you will need to sign up in advance. The sign up window will be open from 8 a.m. on the day of the hearing until five minutes before the hearing's scheduled start time. Sign up requires your name and email address. Commenters will be called on by name in the order they signed up.

For more information on the public hearing or to request ADA accommodation, please call Sound Transit at (800) 201-4900 or (888) 713-6030 (TTY) or email accessibility@soundtransit.org. Translation assistance for limited English proficiency persons at 800-823-9230/TTY Relay: 711

Sound Transit is also accepting comments about the proposed 2021 budget via email at BudgetComments@soundtransit.org



Read more...

VETERANS DAY: Brown Bear Car Wash salutes veterans and active military with free car washes

Brown Bear Car Wash will offer free washes to all current or former members of the military on Veterans Day, Wednesday, November 11.

The free ““Beary Clean” washes will be available at Brown Bear’s 27 tunnel washes from 8am to 6pm including the Brown Bear tunnel wash in Shoreline at 16032 Aurora Ave N.

The offer operates on an honor system and no verification or documentation is required. Drivers should identify themselves as a current or former member of the military to the wash attendant upon arrival.



Read more...

Case updates November 8, 2020

Case updates November 8, 2020


United States
  • cases 9,913,553 - 105,142 cases since last report
  • deaths 237,037 - 490 deaths since last report

Washington state - *DOH does not report deaths on the weekend
  • cases 118,570 - 1,239 since last report
  • hospitalizations 9,031 - 228 since yesterday
  • deaths* 2,460 - 21 since last report

King county
  • cases 31,244 - 378 since yesterday
  • hospitalizations 2,643 - 4 since yesterday
  • deaths 812 - 1 since yesterday

Shoreline - population 56,752 (2018)
  • cases 755 - 12 since yesterday
  • hospitalizations 111 - 0 new
  • deaths 65 - 0 new

Lake Forest Park - 13,569 (2018)
  • cases 93 - 1 since yesterday
  • hospitalizations 4 - 0 since yesterday
  • deaths 1 - 0 new


Read more...

Celebrate Green Shoreline Days

Volunteers at Twin Ponds Park
Photo by Jim Avery

The Green Shoreline Partnership, a collaboration founded by Forterra and the City of Shoreline, invites local neighbors to celebrate Green Shoreline Days, a week of virtual learning and celebration of our urban forests.
 
The festivities kick off November 16 and go through November 21. Learn more and see what other cities are doing by visiting the Green City Days website.

The Partnership has extended Green Shoreline Days to a weeklong adventure of discovering local forests and learning what it takes to keep urban forests healthy. Shoreline residents can complete activities from the comfort of their homes. Those who complete at least one activity each day can win a small care package from the Green Shoreline Partnership.

“The Green Shoreline Partnership is a vital effort to improve the health of Shoreline’s urban forest, and is a great benefit to our region’s environment and communities. Volunteers and involved citizens are the backbone of this environmental improvement effort, and is one of our community’s greatest assets,” notes City of Shoreline Park Maintenance Superintendent, Kirk Peterson.

Due to COVID-19, all Green City Days events will move to virtual platforms or socially distanced, on-your-own activities. Residents who would like to volunteer should visit the Green City Days website to learn more.

Managing urban forests during a pandemic

Healthy urban forests, parks and green spaces offer critical mental, physical and environmental health benefits like clean air and improved water quality. These spaces need management to remain healthy and strong.

“We knew we had to adjust when the pandemic hit,” said Michelle Connor, Forterra president and CEO. 
“Even a month away from a park and you’ll see invasive plants returning, putting our trees at risk. Our work couldn’t wait. We were able to establish this work as an essential service, allowing key staff to continue needed management throughout the region.”

Forterra announced that after a six-month hold on volunteer events, Green City volunteer events will return this fall. Volunteers will need to follow a series of COVID-19 safety protocols, including wearing a mask, maintaining distance and not sharing tools.

Volunteer at Hamlin Park
Photo by Jim Avery


Green City Partnerships

Green City Partnerships began in 2004 when the City of Seattle and Forterra joined in a commitment to restore and maintain the city’s 2,500 acres of forested parkland over the next 20 years. 

The program harnesses the power of communities to create a culture of volunteerism and stewardship to protect local forested parks and maintain a healthy tree canopy. Each partnership brings together local nonprofits, community groups, city agencies, neighborhood leaders, and local businesses to support healthy forested parks. 

The Green City Partnerships combined log over 115,000 volunteer hours and more than 1,000 stewardship events each year. In its success, the program has expanded across the region to 14 cities and one county.

ABOUT FORTERRA

Forterra is a Washington-based nonprofit that enhances, supports, and stewards the region’s most precious resources — its communities and its ecosystems. Forterra conserves and stewards land, develops innovative policies, and supports sustainable rural and urban development. In its 30-year history, Forterra has helped conserve more than 250,000 acres. Its work stretches from the farmlands and river canyons of Yakima to the estuaries and forests of Washington’s coastline, reaching more than 100 counties, cities, and towns. Visit www.forterra.org.



Read more...

Ofttimes Rhoda stole away to be alone and reflect...

A raccoon sprawls part way down a bank leading to water with a perfect reflection in the water
Photo by Gloria Z Nagler



in the wetlands

--Gloria Z Nagler



Read more...

Public Art: Shoreline Soundshell Internatural Station

Photo courtesy City of Shoreline

The "Shoreline Soundshell Internatural Station“ sculpture has been installed in the Park at Town Center.

Created and designed by Rhiza A+D, an architecture-public art-design team from Portland, Oregon with several decades of experience and public artworks nationwide.

The site-specific, abstract sculpture references the Modernist elegance of the trolley cars that traveled along the Interurban, with bench seat, bright color, curvilinear structure, and leaded window glass (laminated, dichroic blue glass sourced from Bullseye glass in Portland). 

Photo courtesy City of Shoreline

The shape also evokes a cockle shell and invites visitors to walk inside and view the surrounding landscape as an “internatural” environment (as the title mentions).

The artwork was made possible by the City’s 1% for art program, largely saved up over five years from the third mile of Aurora. A jury panel of local arts activists, Arts Council member, and Park Board member, selected Rhiza from about 100 applicants nationwide.

Site additions will include several mounds and interior brick work using spare Ronald Place bricks, scheduled for spring 2021.



Read more...

Parkinson's support group on Zoom Tuesday


Come to our Parkinson's Support Group


A support group can offer advice, provide understanding of the stages of the ailment and offer opportunities for support and friendships with others who understand.

A great opportunity to have your questions answered. The meetings are led by a skilled Social Worker who will offer a wealth of knowledge on the subject.

Day: 2nd Tuesday of the month - November 10, 2020
Time: 10:00am-11:00am
Location: Zoom, 823 0004 0827 or call +1 253 215 8782 and enter room ID 823 0004 0827
Host: Giddiany Romero, SW
Call 206-365-1536 or email
giddianyr@soundgenerations.org for details.



Read more...

Talk TV and Books with Third Place Commons Nov 18


Do you love a great television binge in these housebound times, but find yourself running out of Netflix steam? Looking for your new favorite show?

Join Third Place Commons for Pandemic Picks: TV!, a short, fun TV talk where a panel of local arts leaders and TV experts offer their top, most binge-worthy picks to get you through the long, cold months ahead.

Panel includes:
  • Stephen Groening, Associate Professor, Cinema and Media Studies, University of Washington
  • Lorie Hoffman, Executive Director, Shoreline Lake Forest Park Arts Council
  • Amy Whittenburg, Executive Director, Third Place Commons

Think you've already watched everything worth watching? Think again! Panelists will serve up selections old and new with something for every taste, so you’re sure to make some new discoveries or uncover classics you missed (or need to revisit).

Don't miss this chance to find your next TV obsession. Tune in to Pandemic Picks: TV! on Wednesday, November 18 at 7pm. Register here for Pandemic Picks: TV!

If you prefer to unwind with a good book, it’s not too late to join the Commons Community Book Club, which also meets next on November 18, at 5pm (and on the third Wednesday of each month).

For November, the club will be discussing “Daisy Jones and the Six,” a New York Times bestseller that was named a “best book of the year” by NPR, The Washington Post, and many others. It’s the fast-paced oral history of a fictional 70s era rock band’s meteoric rise and tumultuous fall, and it’s a quick, fun read that you can knock out in no time!

Of course, if you’re more of a movie buff, you can also join the TPC Movie Club tonight (November 10) at 7:30pm to talk movies with new friends and discuss this month’s pick, the Oscar winning Best Picture of the Year “Parasite.” Register here for the TPC Movie Club.

Third Place Commons, a community supported 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, is celebrating its 20th anniversary of building real community in the heart of Lake Forest Park. In addition to presenting its largest program, the Lake Forest Park Farmers Market, Third Place Commons now also fosters real community in digital space. To learn more, or to make a gift to support the market and the Commons, visit ThirdPlaceCommons.org.



Read more...

Puffy birds tell me winter's well on its way...

Monday, November 9, 2020


Puffy junco


Puffy Stellar's Jay


Puffy crow

All photos by Gloria Z Nagler


Read more...

Sound Bites Delivers organic produce, restaurant favorites and a commitment to community

Part of the Veggie Lovers box

10% off the first order for Shoreline Area News readers with code: SHORELINESB

From local, organic winter squash to the Pacific Northwest’s best seafood and chowders, Sound Bites Delivers provides healthy and reliable at-home dining options

This fall, Sound Bites Delivers offers local, healthy, and unique food options for delivery to doorsteps across King, Snohomish and Pierce counties.

Delmonicos

From autumn harvest organic produce, grown in Cedar Grove compost, to free-range turkeys in time for Thanksgiving, Sound Bites Delivers provides safe, contactless path to enjoying the region’s bounty, from a local farm in Redmond to fan favorites from local chefs, in the comfort of home.


Featuring fan favorites from the region’s iconic and treasured local restaurants, unique to Sound Bites Delivers, most offerings are professionally vacuum sealed and frozen and come with cooking instructions from the chefs, allowing customers to cook on their own schedule and bring a local dining experience to the safety of their home. Proprietary seasonings are also being offered to guarantee that familiar, in-restaurant flavor.

Wild Alaska salmon burgers
“Sound Bites Delivers launched in 2020 in an effort to continue to serve our customers in a unique way and to partner with the restaurants that we have been doing business with for decades,” said Stephan Banchero III, president of Sound Bites Delivers and Cedar Grove. 
“This unique model allows people to order fresh produce, delivered the same day it’s picked and also frozen food items that they can prepare immediately or save for another evening. 
"With cooking instructions included and restaurant seasonings available, customers are sure to have a special, well prepared meal whether they are a novice or experienced chef.” 

Offerings are updated weekly and currently include:

Wild Alaska salmon
"Thanks to Sound Bites Delivers and all the community support we have received, we can keep the fish flying in Seattle,” said Ryan Reese, co-owner of Pike Place Fish Market. 
“Local delivery has always been a logistical challenge for our small family business. Can't make it to the Market? Let Sound Bites Delivers bring it to you!" 

Dukes

As Thanksgiving approaches, Sound Bites Delivers is offering Mary’s free range, non-GMO turkeys and a special Thanksgiving produce box, available for pre-order.

Sound Bites Delivers offers a grocery cart style shopping portal where customers can order fresh produce, frozen meat and seafood, coffee and bakery items for doorstep delivery around Puget Sound. Proprietary seasonings are available and preparation instructions are included.

Sound Bites Delivers strives to provide fresh, local and unique foods safely to homes around the Sound through strong partnerships with local restaurants. 

To find out more, visit: www.soundbitesdelivers.com



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

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

Back to TOP