Shoreline planning commission to discuss cottage housing at meeting Thursday

Tuesday, April 19, 2022

Shoreline Planning Commission Feb 2022

Thursday, April 21, 2022, 7:00pm - 9:59pm

Agenda
Agenda Highlights
Participate
Contact us
Carla Hoekzema, Planning Commission Clerk
(206) 801-2514
choekzema@shorelinewa.gov



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Scene on the Sound: Low tide and sunshine Sunday

Monday, April 18, 2022

 
Photo by Lee Lageschulte

People took advantage of a very low tide - and the sunshine - to explore the beach in Edmonds.

Photo by Lee Lageschulte

Interesting driftwood, blue skies and white clouds. What's not to love?

Photo by Lee Lageschulte

And there's always something interesting on the water.



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It's not too late to enroll in Kindergarten

Do you have a child who will be five years old by August 31? 

Do you have new neighbors with kindergarten-aged children? Or have you seen families in your neighborhood or around Shoreline and Lake Forest Park with young children?

Spread the word - it's not too late to enroll your child in Kindergarten 

Proof of residency in the district, immunization record, and proof of age are required to register.

Find details and enroll here.



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Shoreline Fire and another successful Easter Egg Hunt

Shoreline's vintage fire truck
Photo courtesy Shoreline Fire

Postponed during the pandemic, everyone was happy to get back to Richmond Beach Saltwater Park to watch the kids hunt for easter eggs on Saturday, April 16, 2022.

Vintage fire engine and donuts in the background. Fences around egg hunt areas in the foreground. Photo courtesy Shoreline Fire

It was sponsored by Shoreline Fire, who brought their vintage fire engine for the kids to explore.

The event was very well attended. Photo courtesy Shoreline Fire

The hillside is divided into ago groups so every child has a fair chance to collect goodies. Countryside Donuts in Bothell provided assorted donuts.

And the sun was shining!



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Filling in the gaps: the Mobile Integrated Health Team

MIH Team members Bethel Spagnolo and Annie Drummond with their little red van
Photo courtesy Shoreline Fire
By Diane Hettrick

Most of the calls that Shoreline Fire responds to are not full blown fires, but less dangerous things if caught in time. A dryer fire, a pan forgotten on the stove, perhaps a cigarette tipped out of an ashtray.

People fall and break bones. They fall and can't get back up - perhaps they are disabled or hoarders or in an awkward position. 

Fire responds and takes care of the immediate problem. But they realize that there are other issues. 

The resident seems a bit confused. They might have mobility issues. The responder suspects drug, alcohol, or mental health issues.

The firefighters have done their job, but are troubled. 

Firefighters are haunted by the people they saw and had to walk away from. Officer Doug Thornburg says that he drives by houses he has been to in the past and still wonders about what happened to the resident.

Every firefighter who has been on the job more than five years has those ghosts.

But five years ago, that all changed with the creation of the Mobile Integrated Health (MIH) team. It currently consists of two social workers and a firefighter / Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). Their job is to follow up on those troubling calls.

Annie Drummond is the Clinical Coordinator for the Community Outreach Division which includes the MIH.

Annie has been part of the MIH team since the beginning five years ago. She is called in by medics or firefighters who have found someone in a situation where they need help.

They have a low barrier for calls. It's not a formal system. No one has to prove need or meet criteria or fill out forms. 

Sometimes, it's just a sense the responders have after a 911 call that makes them ask the MIH team to make sure everything is all right in that household.

We believe that the right intervention at the right time, said Annie, can prevent more serious problems in the future.

The team works normal hours, Monday to Friday. 7:30am to 5:30pm

Firefighter / EMT Doug Thornburg is part of the MIH team
Photo courtesy Shoreline Fire

18 months ago the volume of calls was so high that a second social worker, Bethel Spagnolo, was hired. In addition, firefighter Doug Thornburg is part of the team. Last year the team handled 604 referrals.

Annie said that they go in with an open mind - a blank slate. We want to hear their story. We sit down with the person and ask - what do you need? what do you want? how can we help you?

It doesn't matter if the person is a hoarder, mentally ill, an alcoholic, or a drug addict.

The process is the same. We want to hear their strengths. And we want to connect them to the services they need and want.

The MIH team responds to calls in the areas served by fire departments in Shoreline, Northshore, Bothell, and Woodinville under letters of agreement.

The team makes use of all local services. They overlap and coordinate with local police departments, the RADAR unit, NUHSA, HOPE therapy dogs, and Reading for Rover. They partner with the SL-LFP Senior Center.

Often the team members provide the services themselves. They have a "little red van" - a Ford transit van. They take people to medical appointments, deliver groceries, bring people home from the hospital. 

Working with the Senior Center, they make sure the person has meals and food delivered. They get people into the fall prevention classes at the Center.

MIH Team: Doug Thornburg, Annie Drummond, Bethel Spagnolo in a recent meeting

They recently worked with HOPE therapy dogs to find a foster placement for a beloved dog when the owner went to the hospital for surgery. Then they took photos of the pet in its temporary foster home and showed them to the owner. Although this is not normally part of HOPE's mission, they used their contacts to help with this specific problem.

For people who love dogs but are unable to care for or afford one of their own, the team brings in Amber the therapy dog from Reading for Rover.

They help in adult family homes, where there is a lot of need.

With the majority of people we are time limited – soft case management. There are two people we see weekly, both developmentally delayed.

The frequent 911 callers are a small part of what we do. The other needs have grown so much.
Every year the need doubles and it will continue to grow.

An Irons Brothers 2014 ramp built for Mimi Brown and her family. Photo courtesy Irons Brothers.

What is on their wish list?
  • Ramps. "The Rampathon program is wonderful, but it's only once a year."
  • Subsidized caregivers.
  • Help with adult family homes.
  • And "Why doesn't Medicare pay for ongoing rehab?"

But they love their jobs. They love to come to work. They feel supported in a "lovely environment."

And the stress level has decreased for firefighters. They never again have to walk away from someone who needs help they can't give. They have a MIH team.

Update: HOPE provides animal-assisted crisis response teams.



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Gloria's Birds: Wally was practicing for the Easter Parade earlier today...

Photo copyright Gloria Z. Nagler

(American Wigeon on banks of Lake Washington)

--Gloria Z. Nagler



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Calligraphy for Spring: Create beautiful Mother's Day cards in SCC workshop Saturday

Calligraphy for Spring workshop at SCC

REGISTER NOW for this 1 day workshop on April 23, 2022: https://www.campusce.net/shoreline/course/course.aspx?C=124&pc=4&mc=0&sc=0

Learn to use brush lettering combined with botanicals and flourishes to create beautiful Mother’s Day cards and special spring projects. 

In this workshop, we will explore the basics and learn an alphabet that will be adaptable for many uses. Supplies are included.

Saturday 4/23 - 10:00am – 2:00pm - Fee: $59 - Kathy Barker - Location: 1500 Building, Shoreline Community College Campus 16101 Greenwood Ave N, Shoreline WA 98133



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Continuing Education: Learn Voice-Over Broadcasting

Learn Voice-Over Broadcasting at Shoreline Community College

This class is for students who want to advance their career or just explore voice-over for fun! 

In what could be the most enlightening 2 hours you've ever spent, this class will show you how you can actually begin using your speaking voice for commercials, films, videos, and more. 

Most people go about it the wrong way. In this introductory class, you will learn about a unique, outside the box way to break into this creative, fulfilling, and potentially lucrative industry. 

Voice-overs can be managed on your own terms, on your own turf, in your own time, and with minimal overhead! Whether you choose to pursue voice-overs part-time or full-time, this could be the game changer you¿ve been looking for.

More information and registration here

5/17 - 6:00 – 8:00 pm - Tuesday (1) - Fee:
$39 - Lisa Foster - Location: 1500 Building,
Shoreline Community College Campus 
On-campus 1500 building

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Shorewood Tennis wins two more matches

Emily Lin hits a groundstroke
The Shorewood tennis team continued to win by defeating WesCo 4A Lake Stevens 7-0, on Tuesday April 12, 2022.

Shorewood hosted conference opponent Meadowdale, on Thursday April 14th, and beat the Mavericks 7-0.

Shorewood improved their record to 8-0 overall and 3-0 in WesCo South and is in first place in league.

They have recorded 54 individual wins and only 2 individual losses against all opponents.

The Lake Stevens match was a rematch with last year's WesCo 4A champions. 

The Vikings, who last year had 15 seniors, met Shorewood last season in a season ending match with both teams undefeated at 9-0. The Shorewood team won the match 4-3 to finish undefeated. 

The match up this year was not as close with Shorewood winning 7-0, as Lake Stevens had a young team after losing all of their seniors to graduation.

The doubles were led by number 1 team of Emma Okamura and Emma Nelson who won their 5th straight match in straight sets. 

The singles line up of Emily Lin, Lindsay Rand, Rylie Gettmann and Sophia Serwold continued to sweep all of their opponents.

The Meadowdale match was an important league match as the Mavericks are always a challenge. The match featured two of the top number 1 singles players, Shorewood’s Emily Lin and Sydney Wright from Meadowdale.

Lin played a very strong game and won the first set 6-3. Wright was tenacious and made great shots and rallied to win the second set 6-3. The match became a battle of wits and determination with both players hitting great shots and looking for an advantage. Lin was able to prevail in a hard fought third set and win 6-3 and remain undefeated in her individual matches.

The rest of the Shorewood team also elevated their play to sweep in singles and doubles.

Winning, for Shorewood, in singles were Lindsay Rand, Rylie Gettmann and Sophia Serwold. 

Shorewood’s doubles also completed the sweep, Emma Nelson and Emma Okamura, Hannah Alexander and Carryn Petersen, Ava Lamb and Mari Brittle.

Shorewood will play three conference opponents next week, travel to Mountlake Terrace on Monday, host Lynnwood on Wednesday and host Edmonds-Woodway on Friday. All matches start at 3:30pm.

WESCO 3A/2A SOUTH
Shorewood 7, Meadowdale 0
At Shorewood H.S.

Singles
  1. Emily Lin (SW) def. Sydney Wright 6-3, 3-6, 6-3; 
  2. Lindsay Rand (SW) def. Katelynn Wyckoff 6-0, 7-6 (7-2); 
  3. Rylie Gettman (SW) def. Sabrina Reonal 6-1, 6-1; 
  4. Sophia Serwold (SW) def. Aasha Lee 6-0, 6-1. 
Doubles
  1. Emma Okamura-Emma Nelson (SW) def. Hazel Warner-Ella Ray 6-1, 6-3; 
  2. Hannah Alexander-Carryn Petersen (SW) def. Catherine Tan-Rachael Lee 6-3, 6-1; 
  3. Mari Brittle-Ava Lamb (SW) def. Bella Tang-Emie Shephard 6-0, 6-1.


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Local COVID-19 case numbers as of Friday, April 15, 2022

KING COUNTY CASES

According to Public Health Seattle and King County, COVID-19 cases are rising slowly but steadily over the past month. In our region, the Omicron surge rose rapidly in December and peaked in early January. A steep decline followed, hitting a low point in mid-March. Since that time, cases have started to rise again more slowly, but are much lower than the peak we saw in January.

To put our current number of cases in perspective, at the peak of the Omicron surge, we were seeing an average of 6,500 new cases reported daily.

Currently, we’re seeing an average of 484 new cases each day. That’s about three times the number of cases reported at the low point we experienced a month ago, but 7% of the number at the Omicron peak.


COVID-19 Case Numbers as of Friday, April 15, 2022

The numbers reported in this article are still being verified as the reporting agencies strive to confirm cause of death, remove duplicates, verify residence, and catch up to a huge backlog from January's surge.

King county cases
  • Total confirmed cases - 358,866
  • Cases in past 7 days - 3,558 - 37% increase from previous 7 days
King county hospitalizations
  • Total hospitalizations - 11,422
  • Hospitalizations in past 7 days - 31 - 21% decrease from previous 7 days
King county deaths
  • Total deaths - 2,722
  • Deaths in past 14 days - 14 - 60% decrease from previous 14 days

Seattle Cases
  • Total confirmed cases - 101,573
  • Cases in past 7 days - 1,889 -  38% increase from previous 7 days
Seattle Hospitalizations
  • Total hospitalizations - 2,428
  • Hospitalizations in past 7 days - 13 - 8% increase from previous 7 days
Seattle Deaths
  • Total deaths - 641
  • Deaths in 14 days - 3 - 0% change from previous 14 days

Shoreline cases
  • Total confirmed cases -  8,445
  • Cases in past 7 days - 98 - 47% increase in past 7 days
Shoreline Hospitalizations
  • Total hospitalizations - 292
  • Hospitalizations in past 7 days - 0 - 100% decrease in past 7 days
Shoreline Deaths
  • Total deaths - 129
  • Deaths in 14 days - 0 - 100% decrease in past 14 days

Lake Forest Park cases
  • Total confirmed cases - 1,534
  • Cases in past 7 days - 25 - 108% increase over previous 7 days
Lake Forest Park Hospitalizations
  • Total hospitalizations - 33
  • Hospitalizations in past 7 days - 0 - no change
Lake Forest Park Deaths
  • Total deaths - 6
  • Deaths in 14 days - 0 - no change


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The Garden Guy: What's in a Name?

Sunday, April 17, 2022

By Bruce Bennett

The other week I worked a pre-season Master gardener Clinic (Yes! They are coming back in 2022) at my local hardware store. During the course of a very busy day, a number of questions arose concerning bare root and B / B plants. It is, after all the season for these issues. Consequently, this month’s column was changed to answer your questions.

The terms ‘B / B,’ ‘Bare Root’ and ‘Containerized’ all indicate how a plant is sold by the garden center, grocery store, etc. Each has its own positive and negative aspects. Let’s decide which is best for you.

Containerized plant
Photo courtesy Bruce Bennett
We are probably most accustomed to container-grown or sold plants. We can purchase all types of plants just this way just about any place, whether it's at your high-end garden center or the nearest Fred Meyer. 

That’s because there are a good many advantages to using containers. Plants of any size can be grown in containers. Just about any size, from starts to mature plants can be had in containers.

Many varieties of containerized plants can be purchased and planted year-round as long as the ground isn’t frozen and, in the Seattle-area, that isn’t too severe nor very often. Finally, all of the plant’s developing roots are in the container and make transporting, transplanting and clean-up easier. 

Containers equal convenience. 

On the downside, while all of the roots are enclosed, they grow in circles. This runs the risk of girdling, when roots wrap themselves around each other and have the potential to strangle themselves by crushing their own roots. 

With starts and small plants, a simple teasing of the root ball can cure this issue. If roots are not partially cut before planting, they will have the tendency to continue growing in a circle and will not grow into the native soil. This can also cause stability issues in taller plants. With larger plants, consider using a hori-hori (earth knife) or a box cutter to cut the roots on all four side of the root ball and across its bottom.
 
The ‘soil’ in containers is actually a soilless mix which is used to promote drainage. While these mixes can contain peat moss, bark, coir (coconut fiber), etc. and are natural products, they are not your native soil and can make the plant’s adaptation to its surroundings more difficult. 

Although counter-intuitive, it is actually good to remove most of the mix from around the plant roots prior to planting. The mix can be added as a mulch over the root ball. When digging a hole for the plant, the rule-of-thumb is still the old adage; the hole should be twice the width of the container but only as deep as the soil level in the container.

B/B plants. Photo courtesy Bruce Bennett
A ‘B / B’ plant indicates Balled and Burlapped. These plants are normally larger than the ones you will find in containers. They are grown in a nursery’s fields and are dug with a ball of soil to protect some of the root ball. The root balls are then covered with burlap and tied with twine. B / B is usually the way to go if a larger specimen of a plant is needed. The fact the soil around the roots is already native should make acclimation to the planting site easier on the plant.

The major downside of B / B is that the plants will be heavy and difficult to transport. That soil can weigh quite a bit. So, watch your back! When the plants are initially removed from the soil, many of the feeder and stabilizing roots are cut to accommodate the root ball. Try not to damage any more of them. 

After the plant is placed in the ground, remember that the burlap, twine, etc. need to be removed. These days, there is a decent amount of plastic woven into the cloth and twine and these materials and it will not easily decompose. Between them and possible wire baskets some nurseries use, healthy root growth can be inhibited or cause girdling as the roots mature. Remove all these foreign materials.

Bare root plants
Photo courtesy Bruce Bennett
Bare Root plants are sold when they are dormant and with no soil attached to the root system. You can find perennials, shrubs, trees, vegetables (i.e., asparagus and onions) and berries (i.e., strawberries and raspberries) sold this way. Without the addition of soil, bare root plants are relatively light weight and each to handle. 

Bare root are the least costly of these three categories. In fact, springtime plant sales can be 40% - 50% less expensive than the same containerized plant. 

Lastly, planting is a breeze. Dig a hole, build a soil mound, spread the roots over the mound and backfill. With these plants, you must remember to water deeply when planting and water weekly for the first two to three years. 

Their development will be slow for the first couple of years until the roots have developed. What you lose in initial size and time-to-maturity, you make up in cost savings.

Containerized plant
Photo courtesy Bruce Bennett
No matter which way you begin, after five years of growth, your plant will have the same appearance. Bare root plants of all types are still available this month. Get them in the ground now, before the season starts to warm up. 

With all transplanted plants, remember to water deeply when first putting them in the ground and then provide an inch of water a week to them for the first two years until they are established. 

For multiple plants, a soaker hose or drip feed lines can be used (as well as the less efficient oscillator sprinkler). 

For single shrubs and trees, I just use a 5-gallon bucket with holes punched along its lower edge. Fill the bucket and walk away until the next week. Now, where was that glass of sweet iced tea I just had?

Bruce Bennett
Contributing gardening columnist, Bruce Bennett, is a Washington State University Master Gardener, WA Certified Professional Horticulturist and garden designer. 

He lectures on various aspects of horticulture in the western states. 

If you have questions concerning this article or care to suggest topics of interest for future columns, contact him at gardenguy4u@hotmail.com 
 


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Cartoon by Whitney Potter: Sequel

Easter Tweet



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Sip and paint spring flowers at Red Sky Gallery Thursday


Join Red Sky Gallery in Lake Forest Park Town Center for a "sip and paint" this Thursday April 21, 2022 from 6-8pm where we will be celebrating the season by painting spring flowers. Space is limited. Sign up today! Register @redskygalleries.com oe redskygalleries.com $50

Red Sky is located on the upper level of Town Center (intersection of Bothell and Ballinger Way NE) near Third Place Books.



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Notes from Shoreline Council meeting April 11, 2022

Pam Cross, reporter
Shoreline City Council Meeting
April 11, 2022

Notes by Pam Cross

The remote meeting was called to order at 7:00pm by Mayor Scully.

All Councilmembers were present.

Approval of the Agenda
The agenda was approved by unanimous consent.

Report of the City Manager, Debbie Tarry

In January 2017, the City Council passed Resolution 401, declaring the City of Shoreline to be an Inviting, Equitable and Safe Community For All, and prohibiting inquiries by City employees into Immigration Status.

It is important to the City of Shoreline that all community members feel valued and a sense of belonging.




Council Reports

CM Ramsdell toured The Oaks enhanced shelter. He heard from them about the challenges the shelter is having but was very impressed by the quality of the staff and the variety of services. Housing placement is the biggest challenge, followed by mental health services.

CM Mork attended the Regional Water Quality meeting. It is likely they’ll want a 5.75 rate increase in 2023 for sewage (about $6 increase per household). They also discussed sewage flow monitoring, the purpose of which is to guide investments to the conveyance system as the population grows. 3 of the 8 priority projects are in Shoreline, including the Richmond Beach Pump Station upgrade.

Public Comment (topic, name, city)

Each speaker allowed 2 minutes. There were also 8 written comments (archived here)

Topic: Saving our urban tree canopy
Susanne Tsoming, Shoreline
Nancy Morris, Shoreline

Topic: The Oaks Enhanced Shelter
Jackie Kurle, Shoreline

Topic: Duplex/Triplex in residential zones
Mallory Van Abbema, Shoreline
Kirsten Schneider, Shoreline
Doug Schneider, Shoreline

Topic: Saltwater Park tidelands
Tom McCormick, Shoreline

Topic: Planned 7 story apartment on Linden Ave N
Derek Blackwell, Shoreline
Courtney Ewing, Shoreline
Charu Lakshmi, Shoreline
Kathy Plant, Shoreline
Laura Lind, Shoreline

Approval of the Consent Calendar
The Consent Calendar was approved unanimously.

Action Item 8(a) Action on the Final 2022 Comprehensive Plan Amendment Docket

Presented by Steve Szafran, AICP, Senior Planner

Original Docket Amendments were presented to Council on March 7. The Planning Commission recommended the following Comprehensive Plan Amendments:
  1. Amend the Transportation Master Plan and Transportation Element which includes updated goals and policies.
  2. 2024 Comprehensive Plan Major Update. This is a multi-year project.
  3. Amend the Comprehensive Plan Land Use map that corrects an error. The only property covered by this amendment is the King County Park & Ride lot.

4. Amend the Land Use Element to add a new policy “Housing development and preservation of significant trees can co-exist with the goal of maintaining and increasing Shoreline’s urban tree canopy”.

The 5th Amendment to add a short term rental definition and related issues was not recommended by the Planning Commission.

During the Council’s discussion of the Draft 2022 Docket on March 7, 2022, CM Roberts introduced two additional potential Docket items for consideration.


One additional staff-initiated Docket item was brought forward to change the land use designation of one parcel in the Richmond Beach Saltwater Park from Public Facility to Public Open Space.


DISCUSSION
Move and second to approve Amendments #1, 2, 3, 4 be added to the Final 2022 Docket, and add the City initiated potential amendment #1 (land use at RB Saltwater Park).

Amendment #4 (housing and trees can co-exist) seems like a value plan rather than a work plan.
  • Reply: Yes that is accurate.
In some of the public comment that we received about potential amendment #1 (land use at RB Saltwater Park), there was a question about parcel #..9073 that contains Saltwater Park as well as the tidelands. The proposed amendment does not include the entirety of the parcel #..9073. Why not?
  • Reply: When we looked at that parcel, it was our understanding that the majority of that parcel to the north on tidelands, is underwater. This is something we would look at during our process and then decide.
But the amendment only talks about #..9010. If that’s the specific amendment, how can we expand that to additional parcels?
  • Reply: If Council would like us to look at the entirety of the park based on the public comment, we can do that.
Motion and second to amend amendment #1 (land use at RB Saltwater Park) to also include the parcel ending in #..9073

All parcels should have same designation on the comprehensive plan. We have seen this before in other areas when there is split zoning on a single parcel.

I don’t understand why staff didn’t put that in initially.
  • Reply: I don’t know. I think we were focused on the original map that was submitted. We can look into the bigger picture once it’s on the Docket.
  • Reply Julie Ainsworth-Taylor, City Attorney: The parcel that’s really at issue is usually underwater. Can we color it green? We don’t usually color it green. They are normally blue to show they are part of the park.
I don’t see a problem if it’s colored green or blue on the maps. It’s part of the park and is publicly accessible. Some accessible property doesn’t have a parcel number.

Is there any downside that staff sees with approving this amendment?
  • Reply: No
  • Reply Debbie Tarry: What you are actually doing is asking for this to be studied - you’re not implementing that change. Making the change happens after it goes through the Planning Commission process.
The second parcel is underwater almost exclusively? Under low tide as well? Is it owned by the City?
  • Reply Julie Ainsworth-Taylor: Yes, it is owned by the City and connected to and part of the park. It’s part of the legal description of the park. It is subject to tidal flow so it is underwater a lot of the time.
I don’t see any compelling reason not to add this parcel.

Vote on motion to amend amendment #1 (land use at RB Saltwater Park) to also include the parcel ending in #..9073.
Passes unanimously

Motion and second to add (CM Roberts’) potential amendment #1 (duplexes/triplexes) to the Final 2022 Docket

As a member of the Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC) we recognize there is a shortage of housing in the region. PSRC believes we are 44,000 units short now. In order to provide a house for everyone who is living the region, this number is expected to increase by 2050 to 418,000 units. Multifamily housing is very expensive to build especially for those units that are for those under 30% AMI (area median income). To build this type of very low income housing, we need the federal or state government to come in to build it. We really need to increase supply. To do that, we need to build more housing. How do we do this?

Our existing code already allows duplexes. Plus we allow ADUs that go over the maximum density in R6 (6 residences per acre). Cottage housing got an exemption. We need to do this. We don’t restrict the number of people who can share a home. But we can’t call it a duplex or triplex. An attached garage converted to housing is ok because it’s not a duplex - it’s a house they are sharing. So we’re not being terribly bold to add duplexes and triplexes to our code.

If this passes, we are allowing the Planning Commission to study whether or not this makes sense.

There are concerns. People don’t like multi family next to single family residences.

From a business perspective, members of the younger generation cannot afford a house but a duplex could be doable and allow the next generation to continue to live in Shoreline.

Staff is opposed to this amendment not because of the concept, but because of the increased workload?
  • Reply Rachael Markle, Planning and Community Development Director: true.
  • Reply Debbie Tarry: Some of the staff concern is potentially this could result in significant change to single-family residential zones. It will require significant public outreach and comment and that is a significant amount of work. And given all the rest that is going on, that is a concern that we have. We anticipate a lot of work on the public outreach side.
Question by Rachael Markle: Was it the intent with this amendment to have an affordability component or to just allow the duplexes and triplexes?
Replies:
  • Based on the language of the amendment, I am unable to determine what the intent was.
  • The Comprehensive Plan should be broadly high level, and any kind of specifics should be in the Development Code.
  • The language is read into the record: “Amend the Comprehensive Plan Land Use Element to explicitly allow duplexes and triplexes and allow with conditions other dwelling types that are similar in scale with single family detached homes, in low density residential zones.”
Now I’m confused. What does this do differently since duplexes are currently in the code?
  • Reply: The current Land Use Element #1 in the Comprehensive Plan states: “the low density residential land use designation allows single family detached dwelling units. Other dwelling types such as duplexes, single family attached, cottage housing and accessory dwellings (ADU) may be allowed under certain conditions. The permanent base density for this designation shall not exceed 6 dwelling units per acre.”
This amendment would move where the period ends the first sentence and would add duplexes, triplexes, and other dwelling types that are similar in scale to single family type homes. (In wording to be prepared by staff.)

The current code requires we adhere to the base density standard. That means if you have enough space for one house, you can build one house. If you have enough for two houses you can build two houses or a duplex (with conditions). But you can’t put a duplex on a lot that has only enough space for one house. 

The effect of this motion would change that rule and potentially triple the base density by allowing duplexes or triplexes on a lot that is currently allowed only one home. Is this fairly accurate?
  • Reply: That would be the policy guidance which would be translated by staff into the development regulations and conditions. But that’s what it’s basically saying.

I believe that we do need to add density. This idea isn’t fully baked yet. I ‘m going to hold off on supporting it on the Docket for this year.

This can really change the character of neighborhoods and I think this needs a longer public process as mentioned in the staff analysis. This is a bigger change than what I’d heard. We can have duplexes even if we don’t have the land that prior code required in R4 and R6 zones? That’s bigger than a simple amendment
  • Reply: I believe you are correct. We want our Development Code regulations to be consistent with our Comprehensive Plan and that would require a lot of work.
I’m really interested in increasing density but the Planning Commission is already working on cottage housing and the missing middle components of this.

(Note: “Missing middle” refers to the housing gap between multi-unit housing and single family homes by providing a range of house-scale buildings with multiple units—compatible in scale and form with detached single-family homes—located in a walkable neighborhood.)

I think we need to clarify if it’s a policy that is feasible before having staff commit so much time and effort. We don’t want to take it through the process and then decide it shouldn’t be executed. Am I right?
  • Reply: Goals and policies are aspirational. That’s how we look forward to our City growing and that’s why we do these things. You don’t usually see these aspirational plans in the Comprehensive Plan if we don’t think we’re ever going to work on them.
I will be voting for this but I am really hesitant about supporting whatever comes out of this. But I’m curious to see what the options are. We put a lot of work into increasing density in carefully selected areas, increasing density where there were utilities available and a lot of other criteria. And even with that careful planning, we are seeing problems in the light rail areas - such as getting adequate power from Seattle City Light. This proposition is much broader than what we did in the station areas. 

If we did this citywide, we’re talking about tripling density, and we’re fooling ourselves if we think that would not radically transform the way Shoreline looks, the way Shoreline operates, and whether we can provide services and what those services will be like. One or two in an area will just be absorbed, but if it happens wholesale that’s a big change. 

On the other hand, we need affordable housing overall, and we’re missing the ability for folks to buy an entry-level house with a yard. Studying this make sense now. This type of thing is being looked at statewide as well as by other municipalities.

I think this is the missing middle component that we need to study which is in our Housing Action Plan. Also, the real trick is the development code to make sure we get the type of housing that we want. We want the housing to look like single-family detached homes. If we’re going to move forward, we need to amend the Comprehensive Plan to do some of this additional work to make it into code.

Is this part of the missing middle?
  • Reply: Yes, along with cottage housing and other types of housing.

VOTE on motion to add potential amendment #1 (duplexes/triplexes) to the Final 2022 Docket
Passes 4-3
Dissenting: CM Mork, CM McConnell, DM Robertson

Cottage housing in the Development Code specifies 6 units per acre (R6), but there was a density bonus that went beyond 6 units. This is an apparent contradiction. Shouldn’t the Comprehensive Plan have been changed to amend the definition of R6?
(Note: Shoreline adopted cottage housing in 2000, but repealed it in 2003. It is no longer permitted, but continues to be studied)

For low density residential, the current land use policy in the Comprehensive Plan reads R6 “may not exceed 6 units per acre.” Won’t that have to be removed or changed if we move forward with this?
  • Reply Rachael Markle: Yes.
Motion and second to add to the Final Comprehensive Plan Docket to explore striking or removing plan strike or remove R6?

Is the amendment necessary at this time? We need the Comprehensive Plan to be in sync with the Development Code.

My understanding of what we are doing here tonight is not to work out the details of a particular proposal. We will get back a proposed amendment from staff, and that proposed amendment could include language to other portions of the Comprehensive Plan that are required by what we adopt. Correct?
  • Reply Julie Ainsworth-Taylor: The Comprehensive Plan isn’t really precise - it’s not targeted to a certain element and it develops over time. Staff can’t just freeform it. Also, if we remove the density limitation for all R6, you might want to qualify that in some way because otherwise it would allow any density.
I think it should be carefully explored.

This is too nebulous for me. And not a good use of staff time.

VOTE on Motion to explore striking or removing R6
Fails 6-1, CM Roberts dissenting


VOTE ON MAIN MOTION as amended to include duplex/triplex amendment
Passes unanimously 7-0

Action Item 8(b) Public Hearing and Discussion of Resolution No. 489 - 2023-2028 Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP)

Presentation by Nytasha Walters, Transportation Services Manager


The City’s six-year TIP must be consistent with its comprehensive plan transportation element. The six-year TIP should include transportation projects, such as road and bridge work, as well as new or enhanced bicycle or pedestrian facilities.


Descriptions of projects including status of funding can be seen in the staff report.

PUBLIC HEARING
Todd Cullen, Shoreline, need for sidewalks and better street lighting

DISCUSSION

I’m curious about the off-corridor bike network. The current plan seems like a roundabout way through the neighborhoods to the 148th light rail station.
  • Reply: The off-corridor bike network is located north and south of the 145th corridor, and is seen as an alternative to traveling east to west along the entire corridor from Aurora to SR522. The segment you’re talking about steps down from the Interurban Trail connecting to the future 148th non-motorized bridge. That segment is on the contingency list for funding - I’m optimistic it will be funded in time for the light rail opening.

Thank you for the hard work your staff have done on this - it’s really impressive. Investments in sidewalks and bike lanes are good things and get people out of their cars. There are some projects where a little money would go a long way (stop sign or speed bump for example) and I’m concerned about how little money is left for these things.

This will come back to Council on May 9.

Study Item 9(a) Discussing the 2021 Year-End Financial Report

Presented by Sara Lane, Administrative Services Director

This report provides details on the actual revenues and expenditures for 2021 and is provided to keep the City Council informed of the financial issues and the financial position of the City as we complete the second year of our first biennial budget. This is not the audited financial statement which is not yet available.


Revenues exceed our plan and expenditures are well below our plan. 2021 was a much better year than 2020.

This detailed report is available in the staff report.

DISCUSSION

I would like thank you for how well the City handles our money in both good and bad times, obviously with the help of residents who are spending money to keep restaurants afloat. It’s important that your staff knows how much we appreciate the stability of our City’s financial picture.

Council retires to an Executive Session.


Council returns to the regular meeting.

The floor is open to an action item related to the Executive Session.
Note: since this is related to the Executive Session, no details were provided.

Motion and second to authorize the City Manager to execute a voluntary compliance plan and settlement agreement setting forth a $40,000 payment and implementation of a mitigation restoration plan.

This imposes the maximum possible penalty without some extenuating circumstances that we don’t think we have. It is a significant reduction in the potential restitution, but under all the facts and circumstances I believe it is a just result. I also believe that imposing the maximum penalty in a case like this is appropriate under the version of the code in effect at the time - that is $2,000. We recently enacted some amendments to that penalty code that will increase it for future situations.

VOTE
Passes unanimously 7-0.

MEETING ADJOURNED




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SIFF schedule at Shoreline Community College this week

Saturday, April 16, 2022


The Seattle International Film Festival started this weekend at Shoreline Community College.

Shoreline Community College is pleased to announce the return of the Seattle International Film Festival! As SIFF’s most northern venue, community members and Shoreline students and staff have had the wonderful opportunity to see film screenings, interact with directors, producers, and actors, and learn from Q/A sessions.

Sunday, April 17
Film Title - Start Time - Tickets
The Ghastly Brothers 2:00PM Order tickets
Voice of Silence 4:30PM Order tickets
The Man in the Basement 7:00PM Order tickets

Monday, April 18
Film Title - Start Time - Tickets
Nothing Compares 6:00PM Order tickets
Resurrection 8:45PM Order tickets

Tuesday, April 19
Film Title - Start Time - Tickets
Blind Ambition 6:00PM Order tickets
Everything Went Fine 8:30PM Order tickets

Wednesday, April 20
Film Title - Start Time - Tickets
Alien on Stage 6:00PM Order tickets
It's Just a Phase, Honey 8:15PM Order tickets

Thursday, April 21
Film Title - Start Time- Tickets

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ELNA meeting Tuesday: "Metro Transit in Shoreline, Providing Service in a Changing Region"


"Metro Transit in Shoreline, Providing Service in a Changing Region" is the topic for the Echo Lake Neighborhood Association meeting Tuesday April 19, 2022 7-9pm on Zoom.

Speaker Chris Arkills is the Government Relations Officer for King County Metro Transit. He will be discuss aspects of present and future service in our City.

He will address such timely issues related to providing service such as the increasing problems with maintaining clean and safe conditions at Aurora Village, Rapid Ride stops, and other service locations.

He will also discuss future changes to the routes when the Lynnwood LINK Light Rail system begins operating from their stations in 2024.

Finally, he will discuss potential changes to the 192nd and Aurora Park and Ride and the potential for Transit Oriented Development at that location.

Contract ELNABoard@gmail.com for the Zoom link to the meeting.



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Blossoms

 
Photo by Lee Lageschulte

Begonia?

Nope. Crabapple blossoms (thank you Rose Davis)



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Jobs: WSDOT Scoping and Estimate Engineer – Transportation Engineer 2 (in-training)

WSDOT
Scoping and Estimate Engineer – Transportation Engineer 2 (in-training)


Shoreline, WA – Northwest Region
$58,300.00 - $86,461.00 Annually

Washington State Department or Transportation has a great opportunity for an experienced engineer to contribute to the development of the Northwest Region highway construction program. 

This is a unique opportunity to work in a dynamic engineering program office; the future incumbent will have the potential to grow their career and working knowledge. 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. If you enjoy solving problems, working in a collaborative team environment, and making a positive impact on transportation in northwestern Washington – this is the position for you!

Job description and application



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Sale of Italian ceramics and linens to benefit sister city association


DERUTA CERAMICS AND UMBRIAN LINENS

Saturday, April 23, 2022 - 11am - 2pm

LAKE FOREST PARK CIVIC CLUB
17301 BEACH DRIVE NE
LAKE FOREST PARK , WA 98155

HOSTED BY
SEATTLE-PERUGIA SISTER CITY ASSOCIATION

There are hundreds of items for sale including many ceramics that are hand-painted and include sets of dinner plates, salad plates and small bowls, salt and pepper sets, olive oil and vinegar sets, large and small serving bowls, other serving ware and ornamental items.

The linens include kitchen towels, placemats, tablecloths and napkins, table runners, bath towels, and decorative items.

Seattle-Perugia Sister City Association is a 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit organization. All proceeds from the sale will support association programs including artist exchanges, scholarships, and other cultural, educational and social programs. For more information, visit seattle-perugia.org



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I-5, SR 104 ramps and lanes to close overnight for light rail work next week

Future Mountlake Terrace station
There will be several overnight lane and ramp closures on SR 104 and I-5 next week as Sound Transit contractor crews continue work on the Lynnwood Light Rail extension

Plan ahead for the following closures:
  • The westbound and eastbound SR 104 on-ramps to northbound I-5 will close nightly from 8pm to 4:30am from Sunday, April 17 through the morning of Friday, April 22, 2022 to remove falsework around the light rail bridges.
  • The two right lanes of northbound I-5 between SR 104 and 220th St SW will close nightly from 10pm to 4:30am from Sunday, April 17 to the morning of Wednesday, April 20 and again from 10pm Thursday, April 21 to 4:30am Friday, April 22.
  • The northbound I-5 off-ramp to eastbound and westbound SR 104 will close from 8pm Wednesday, April 20 to 4:30am Thursday, April 21.



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Scene on the Sound: The Victoria Clipper resumes sailings to British Columbia

Photo by Lee Wolfe

Friday morning was the first sailing of the Victoria Clipper in two years. Like clockwork it passes by Richmond Beach every morning at 8:30am on its way to Victoria in British Columbia.



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