Lake City man sentenced to 45 years in prison, 3 years after a drunken rampage left two dead and two injured

Sunday, April 24, 2022

Photo courtesy Seattle Police Dept.
According to reporting in The Seattle Times,

A 36-year-old Seattle man was sentenced to 45 years in prison Friday for a March 2019 drunken shooting rampage in Lake City that killed two people and injured two others, including a King County Metro bus driver, who was shot in the chest.

Tad-Michael Norman, 36, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, vehicular homicide and three counts of first-degree assault March 23, four days shy of the third anniversary of the March 27, 2019, random shooting that began in the middle of a busy intersection, court records show.
Our previous article on the event is here: Tragedy in Lake City

Norman's blood alcohol level was three times


Court records say Norman, who had no previous criminal history, struggled with alcoholism and relapsed on the day of the shootings after being sober for 90 days. 
He told police he had no memory of the rampage and before he was booked into jail, he was treated at Harborview Medical Center, where his blood alcohol content was measured at .287, more than three times the legal limit of .08 for adult drivers

 

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Jobs: WSDOT Program Development Manager

WSDOT
Program Development Manager

Shoreline, WA – Northwest Region
$95,520.00 - $122,520.00 Annually

Washington State Department of Transportation has an excellent opportunity for a Project Engineer to serve as the Program Development Manager responsible for managing the development of the future projects including scope and estimates, schedule, prioritization, and ranking needs for each Northwest Region (NWR) project in the biennial Highway Construction Program (HCP). 

As the Program Development Manager, you will directly affect the overall ability of the (NWR) to successfully deliver programs and projects; thereby, supporting an extremely vital means of transportation and the economic success of the region.

Job description and application



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Helpers welcome at Echo Lake Park work party May 7, 2022

Volunteers at Echo Lake Park

We would love some helpers at our work party to restore Echo Lake Park native plant zone, Saturday, May 7, 2021 from 11:00am - 2:00pm. 

The hard work of pulling weeds is over, and some happy plants are in. Now we are just laying out sheets of cardboard and covering them with mulch so the grass will die off over the summer. Then the area will be ready for planting lots more native plants in the fall. 

If you can join us, just click on the link and click on JOIN THIS EVENT in top right.
The plants that we added already are doing great! Please come by and check them out.

This is a fun way to meet neighbors, and do something great for Mother Earth. (Maybe every day could be Earth Day.) We'll have snacks, gloves, tools and fun.

Thank you to the City of Shoreline, Green Shoreline Partnership and Go Natives! Nursery for their support. And thanks to all our wonderful volunteers. 

Feel free to email me with questions: Ann Michel at agrmichel@gmail.com



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Preschool Story Time in person at the Shoreline Library

Preschool Story Time in person at the Shoreline Library

Tuesdays, May 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31, 1:15 or 2:15pm

Ages 3-5.

Enjoy stories, music, movement and rhymes that develop your child’s early literacy skills.

Please register online at kcls.org/events or call the library at 206-362-7550. 

To help ensure safety, story time will be limited to 10 families, up to 25 people total. Please register the total number of people you are bringing, including adult.

You must register separately for each story time you would like to attend.

Reasonable accommodation for people with disabilities is available by request. Email access@kcls.org at least seven days before the event. Automated closed captioning is always available for online events.

Shoreline Library 345 NE 175th, Shoreline WA 98155



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AAUW offering five $1,000 scholarships to women entering Edmonds College in STEM fields

The Edmonds SnoKing branch of the American Association of University Women is offering five $1,000 scholarships to high school women planning on attending Edmonds College in STEM fields.

Applications are now being accepted for the 2022 Elizabeth Sears STEM Scholarships. 

Five scholarships ($1000 each) will be awarded to female high school students who are:
  • Graduating in 2022
  • Committed to attending Edmonds College in the fall
  • Entering a STEM field


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When a rainbow is too big

 
Photo copyright Steve Schneider


It was too large to get it all in with my 16mm lens on my Canon 5D MK III. -- Steve Schneider

The first bow made it in frame but the second one is missing a few sections. If you click on the photo, you can see it better. -- Editor




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Theater: Over the River and Through the Woods


Over the River and Through the Woods
Nick is a single, Italian-American guy from New Jersey. His parents retired and moved to Florida but that doesn’t mean his family isn’t still in Jersey. In fact, he sees both sets of his grandparents every Sunday for dinner. 
This is routine until he tells them that he’s been offered his dream job of marketing executive in Seattle, which would take him away from all his beloved, but annoying, grandparents. The news doesn’t sit so well. 
Thus begins a series of schemes by Frank, Aida, Nunzio and Emma to keep Nick around, including inviting the lovely, and single, Caitlin O’Hare to dinner… we won’t give the ending away here.

Directed by Christopher Kidder-Mostrom and featuring the acting talents of Jennifer Nielsen (Aida), Naveh Shavit-Lonstein (Nick), Vicki Wicks (Emma), Larry Albert (Frank), Ted W. Fredericks (Nunzio), and Anna Lund-Apffel (Caitlin). The design team includes Nancy Johnson (Properties Designer), Gwyn Skone (Lighting Designer), Brian Fletcher (Sound Designer), and Melina Boivin (Costume Designer). Katie Soulé is Production Manager, and Matthew Ircink is Stage Manager.

WHEN: May 13-June 5, 2022 - Thursdays-Saturdays at 8pm, Sundays at 2pm.

TICKETS: $28 General; $25 Jr/Sr/Military. Available online at www.edmondsdriftwoodplayers.org or by phone at 425-774-9600. Discounted tickets for groups of 10+ people are also available.

Over the River and Through the Woods by Joe DiPietro is presented by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, Inc., New York

Special thanks to our show sponsor, Chermak Construction, as well as our season sponsors Templar Financial Services, Rick Steves’ Europe, and Windermere Real Estate Edmonds.

Edmonds Driftwood Players is a volunteer-based, non-profit community theatre with the mission to produce live theatre that entertains, enriches and engages the community. Established in 1958, it is one of the oldest operating community theatres in Washington State.

Performances at Wade James Theatre, 950 Main St, Edmonds.



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COVID-19 Case Numbers as of Friday, April 22, 2022

KING COUNTY CASE NUMBERS

Care Connect Washington Assistance provides food and other support to people who test positive for COVID-19 so they can isolate at home. People who have been exposed to the virus and are actively quarantining are also eligible. Making it easier for people to stay home helps slow the spread of the illness. 

Call the COVID-19 Information Hotline at 1-800-525-0127, then press #. Language assistance is available. The hotline hours are 6am to 10pm. Monday, and 6am to 6pm Tuesday through Sunday and observed state holidays.


COVID-19 Case Numbers as of Friday, April 22, 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 - 362,861
  • Cases in past 7 days - 4,281 - 19% increase from previous 7 days
King county hospitalizations
  • Total hospitalizations - 11,464
  • Hospitalizations in past 7 days - 37 - 16% increase from previous 7 days
King county deaths
  • Total deaths - 2,731
  • Deaths in past 14 days - 16 - 11% decrease from previous 14 days

Seattle Cases
  • Total confirmed cases - 103,538
  • Cases in past 7 days - 2,143 -  12% increase from previous 7 days
Seattle Hospitalizations
  • Total hospitalizations - 2,436
  • Hospitalizations in past 7 days - 5 -  67% decrease from previous 7 days
Seattle Deaths
  • Total deaths - 641
  • Deaths in 14 days - 2 - 33% decrease from previous 14 days

Shoreline cases
  • Total confirmed cases -  8,568
  • Cases in past 7 days - 125 - 23% increase in past 7 days
Shoreline Hospitalizations
  • Total hospitalizations - 293
  • Hospitalizations in past 7 days - 1 - increase of 1 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 - 1,549
  • Cases in past 7 days - 18 - 24% decrease over previous 7 days
Lake Forest Park Hospitalizations
  • Total hospitalizations - 33
  • Hospitalizations in past 7 days - 1 - increase of 1 in past 7 days
Lake Forest Park Deaths
  • Total deaths - 6
  • Deaths in 14 days - 0 - no change


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Shorewood girls tennis continues its winning streak - season record 11-0 overall and 6-0 in conference

Emily Lin, Emma Okamura, Reese Johnson, Emma Nelson and Amelia Uran.
The Shorewood tennis team continued its winning streak with three wins. 

They defeated Mountlake Terrace 7-0 on Wednesday, outscored Lynnwood 7-0, and beat Edmonds-Woodway 7-0. Shorewood's season record is 11-0 overall and 6-0 in conference.

The clash with Edmonds-Woodway pitted the top two teams undefeated in conference. Coach Moreno knew before the season started; this was the match that would settle the league championship. 

The match featured many talented players from both teams. The featured match was at number 1 singles between Shorewood's Emily Lin and Edmonds-Woodway's Paige Oliver

The match started with Lin taking control using a strong all court game to win the first set 6-2. In the second set, Oliver battled back to take a 3-2 lead before Lin took control to win four straight games and win the set 6-3 and the match.

Freshman Rylie Gettmann
The rest of the Shorewood singles, number 2 freshman Rylie Gettmann, number 3 junior Lindsay Rand and number 4 junior Sophia Serwold all won in straight sets to complete the singles sweep.

Shorewood also swept in doubles, led by number 1 sophomore Emma Okamura / sophomore Emma Nelson, with great teamwork and aggressive volleys. Also winning in doubles were number 2 freshman Mari Brittle / junior Ava Lamb and number 3 sophomore Amelia Uran / sophomore Reese Johnson.

The Shorewood team has won with consistency in all parts of the game and with a high level of quality play. Singles players have not lost an individual match in 11 matches. Doubles have only lost two matches. 

Of the eleven opponents the team has won 7-0 ten times. They defeated WesCo North champs Snohomish 5-2 early in the season. Overall Shorewood, in individual matches, has won 75 and lost 2. In conference, 42 individual wins with no losses.
 
Coach Moreno is extremely proud of the team's high level of play, consistency and great sportsmanship.

Shorewood will finish its season schedule, after Spring Break, with WesCo 4A Glacier Peak at home on May 3rd and at Arlington on May 5th. Shorewood will host the WesCo South league tournament May 10, 11 and 12.

Pre-match "campfire huddle"

WESCO 3A/2A SOUTH
Shorewood 7 - Edmonds-Woodway 0
At Shorewood H.S.

Singles
  1. Emily Lin (SW) def. Paige Oliver 6-2, 6-3; 
  2. Rylie Gettman (SW) def. Emma Wetzel 6-2, 6-4; 
  3. Lindsay Rand (SW) def. Isis Liaw 7-5, 6-1; 
  4. Sophia Serwold (SW) def. Maia Ali 6-3, 6-2. 
Doubles
  1. Emma Okamura-Emma Nelson (SW) def. Kristian Tran-Luisa Cano 6-2, 6-0; 
  2. Ava Lamb-Mari Brittle (SW) def. Makenna Cook-Natalie Colobong 7-5, 6-1; 
  3. Amelia Uran-Reese Johnson (SW) def. Joyce Ho-Amanda Ly 6-0, 6-3.


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Gloria's Birds: Wigeon in Flight

 
Photo copyright Gloria Z. Nagler

(American Wigeon male soaring over Lake Washington. Pretty bird, indeed!)

--Gloria Z Nagler





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Free Confidential Cognitive Health Screening at the Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Senior Center


Dr. Trevor Duncan
Dr. Trevor Duncan offers free cognitive health screenings at the Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Senior Center on Thursday, May 19, 2022 from 10am to 3pm. 

Email for an appointment: SageNeuropsych@gmail.com

Most of us see our doctor each year for a checkup of our physical health. As we age, it becomes increasingly more important to have a cognitive health checkup as well. Our cognitive health includes our ability to think clearly, learn and remember, concentrate and pay attention, and to make decisions. 

Good cognitive health is an important component of performing everyday activities.

Dr. Trevor Duncan is a cognitive health expert who is trained to evaluate for problems with cognitive health, and to provide detailed treatment programs if problems are found. 

Dr. Duncan will provide free, confidential cognitive screenings by appointment on Thursday, May 19, 2022, at the Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Senior Center, 18560 1st Ave NE #1, Shoreline WA 98155.

If you have concerns about yours or someone you care abouts cognitive health, email Dr. Duncan for a 30-minute screening appointment. Please feel free to ask Dr. Duncan any questions about cognitive health. SageNeuropsych@gmail.com,  425-892-5866

4-27-22 email address corrected

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Earth Day flowers at Paramount Open Space

Saturday, April 23, 2022

 
Photos by Janet Way

These are the kind of wildflowers that you find in wetlands, like the Paramount Open Space park in central Shoreline.

The yellow flower is a Swamp Lantern. I think the white one is a trillium.

When you catch sight of a Swamp Lantern, you will know that the ground is wet and marshy.

--Diane Hettrick



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Obituary: Barbara Ann (Burke) Monks 1929-2020

Barbara Monks 1929-2020
Barbara Ann (Burke) Monks passed away February 2, 2020, surrounded by her family. She was born at the family home in Shoreline, WA on May 21, 1929, the youngest of four children born to Joseph and Helen Burke. 

She attended Ronald Elementary, and Lincoln High School in Seattle where she served as Girls Club president, graduating in 1947 as Valedictorian of her class. 

Barbara attended Marylhurst College for Women in Oregon where she was Student Body President, in the National Honor Society and received the Joan of Arc award, the highest recognition at Marylhurst. She graduated Magna Cum Laude, with a B.A. in French, a minor in English Literature and Education. 

As a Fulbright Scholarship recipient, she earned a Master’s in Education from the University of the Sorbonne in Paris and and the University of Franche-Comté in Besançon in eastern France.

She met her husband Bob in College. They wed June 19, 1954, at Christ the King Church in Seattle, and were married 64 years. They had seven children and lived for 30 years in the same house where Barbara was raised. She taught English and French at Lake Washington Jr. High. 

Barbara was very active in the Shoreline community. She was a troop leader with Bluebird / Campfire Girls, a volunteer at her children’s schools, active in PTA and was awarded the Golden Acorn Award for community service. She and Bob taught CCD classes at St. Luke parish. 

Barbara was instrumental in establishing Shoreline as a city and preserving the Ronald School building as the original Shoreline Historical Museum. She served on the King Co. Landmarks Commission and was a supporter of Save the Pike Place Market. She was part owner of Basic Books in Edmonds and a Sales Representative for Ginn and Co. and Scholastic Books. 

In 1993 she and Bob built a home at Liberty Bay, Poulsbo, WA. They attended St. Olaf’s Catholic Church. Barbara participated in Music and Arts club and Friends of the Library, fundraising for the Poulsbo Library children’s corner and scholarships. 

Barbara was especially fond of France and collected French Quimper pottery. Her passions included travel, antiques, cooking, biographies, crossword puzzles, sports and politics and she loved large family celebrations. 

Barbara is survived by her children Joe Monks (Heather Lavin), Eileen (Joe) Reza, Anne Monks, Casey (Mike) Steinke, Patty (Charlie) Tomsett and Bob Monks (Jacquie), 12 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Barbara was preceded in death by her son Tom and husband Bob. We will forever remember Barbara’s energy, genuine welcoming and caring personality, her love of learning and strong commitment to family. 

A Memorial Service will be held April 29, 2022, at 11am at St. Luke Parish, 322 N 175th St, Shoreline WA 98133. Please share memories at www.becksfuneralhome.com



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Backyard Birds: White crowned sparrows

 
Photo by Jo Simmons

Photo by Jo Simmons

Jo Simmons was pleased to find these dapper dudes with their racing stripes in her back yard. White crowned sparrows posed nicely for her - and for us.



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KCLS celebrates multicultural literacy with Día - Children's Book Day


The King County Library System (KCLS) invites residents to celebrate Día, also known as Children’s Day / Book Day (El Día del niño y del libro). Brought to the U.S. in 1996 by Mexican American author Pat Mora, Día is a nationally recognized initiative that connects children and their families to diverse books, languages and cultures through activities at libraries and schools.

The year-round initiative is a daily commitment to advance literacy development for all children that culminates on April 30. KCLS will honor Día from April 24 to 30 with online programming and events, as well as curated reading lists that highlight diversity. 

Special virtual events include Author Talks and Story Times with local celebrities — Univision Anchors Paula Lamas and Jaime Méndez—a flamenco dance performance, book clubs and more. Visit kcls.org/dia for a full list of programming and events.

“KCLS celebrates culture, heritage and language as powerful tools to strengthen King County communities,” stated KCLS Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Director Dominica Myers. 
“We invite children and families from all backgrounds to participate in our Día programming, and hope it helps inspire a lifelong love of reading and learning.”


About King County Library System
Founded in 1942, the King County Library System (KCLS) is one of the busiest public library systems in the country. Serving the communities of King County (outside the city of Seattle), KCLS has 50 libraries and over 1.3 million cardholders.



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Cartoon by Whitney Potter: The price of gas

Previous cartoons by Whitney Potter here



 

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Shorecrest girls varsity tennis vs Glacier Peak 4-22-2022

Shorecrest Girls Varsity Tennis
Glacier Peak 6 - Shorecrest 1
At Glacier Peak H.S. 4-22-2022
Coach Rob Mann

Singles
  1. Flora Cummings (S) def. Skylar Allen 6-4, 6-2; 
  2. Allie Jansen (G) def. Cami Sikora 6-2, 6-4; 
  3. Maddy Henningsen (G) def. Lily Haessler 6-3, 6-0; 
  4. Daphne Tuason (G) def. Ellie Coleman 7-5, 6-1. 
Doubles
  1. Kayla Long-Annabelle Nicoletti (G) def. Megan Hicks-Dacotah Poole 6-2, 6-2; 
  2. Cathay Nguyen-Kaysaun Mangkornkeo (G) def. Sofia Francescutti-Delaney Davis 6-2, 7-5; 
  3. Isabella Paulsen-Rebekah Stutzman (G) Yamin Dembrow-Zoe Greenzweig 6-4, 5-7, 10-7


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Summer forensics camp for rising 7th - 9th graders at Shoreline Community College

KIMSeattle camp at SCC this summer
KIMSeattle (Kids in Medicine and Science) is partnering with Shoreline Community College to bring their summer forensics camp to Shoreline.

Participants will immerse themselves in a fictitious, yet realistic, simulated crime and spend the week solving the case. 

Camp details at: kimseattle.org
Register here



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LFP police calls 4-15 to 4-22-2022

Lake Forest Park Police Department
Weekly calls 4/15 - 4/22

Your officers responded to 178 calls for service or self initiated investigations which included
  • 5 Alarms
  • 2 Disturbances
  • 5 Vehicle Prowls
  • 15 Suspicious Circumstances
  • 3 Welfare Checks
  • 3 Suicidal Subjects
  • 1 Residential Burglary
  • 2 Graffitti
While we do not typically respond to social media posts, please call 206-364-8216 if you have any questions.



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Shoreline Fire MSO honored for Meritorious Action

Gabe DeBay, Meritorious Action
Photo courtesy Shoreline Fire

Shoreline Fire MSO (Medical Services Officer) Gabe DeBay was honored and awarded the medal of Meritorious Action on Friday, in Bothell.

While on duty last November, he happened to drive by an individual standing on the edge of a bridge over I-405 (in Bothell) preparing to jump. 

Without hesitation, he was able to safely and quickly remove the person before anyone got hurt. His quick action and natural compassion for people is the reason that person is still here today.



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Notes from Shoreline council meeting April 18, 2022

Pam Cross, reporter
Shoreline City Council Meeting
April 18, 2022

Notes by Pam Cross

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

All Councilmembers were present.

Proclamations

I, Keith Scully, Mayor of the City of Shoreline, on behalf of the Shoreline City Council, do hereby proclaim the week of April 17 through April 23, 2022 as VOLUNTEER WEEK in the City of Shoreline and encourage all residents to continue their good work supporting the community, and express appreciation to those who have helped others during the challenges of the last two years.

And I proclaim April 25, 2022 as EARTH DAY in the City of Shoreline. There are several events happening around Shoreline that provide a great opportunity to give back to the planet this Earth Day.

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

Report of the City Manager, Debbie Tarry




Space is limited so sign up soon. All volunteers must be vaccinated.


Council Reports

DM Robertson attended a meeting of the North King County Coalition on Homelessness about the enhanced shelter at The Oaks. There will be a presentation next week so she didn’t go into any detail other than they are still in the final stages of transition for a new executive director. They have had 8 people move to stable housing in the last month and 2 more are scheduled in the next month.

Public Comment (topic, name, city)
Each speaker allowed 3 minutes.
There were no written comments at the time this report was prepared.

Triplexes and Duplexes in single family zoned neighborhoods
Con: Corinne Mossman, Shoreline
Con: Barbara Twaddell, Shoreline
Con: Janet Way, Shoreline, Shoreline Preservation Society
Con: Courtney Ewing, Shoreline

The Oaks Enhanced Shelter
Jackie Kurle, Shoreline

Saving trees in Shoreline
Nancy Morris, Shoreline

Proposed 7-story apartment on Linden Ave N
Con: Derek Blackwell, Shoreline


Presented by John Featherstone, Surface Water Utility Manager
He was joined by Christie Lovelace, Surface Water Program Specialist


There is a difference between surface water and stormwater. Surface water is any water on the surface of land. Stormwater is a type of surface water. This slide shows the runoff from a developed area picking up pollutants as opposed to a forested area where rain water gets soaked into the ground. All of this flows from our wastewater system directly into lakes, streams, and Puget Sound.

The Western Washington Phase II Municipal Stormwater Permit (Permit), authorizes the discharge of stormwater from the City’s Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) into Puget Sound. The City is required to comply with Permit requirements. The City’s Surface Water Utility is primarily responsible for ensuring the City’s compliance with the Permit.

The permit requirements cover multiple things from education, planning, public involvement and mapping to illicit discharge, detection and elimination (IDDE). This is about eliminating sources of water pollution after they happen. We have added code language so that we can enforce it.
The Source Control Program is for finding and eliminating potential pollution before it happens or becomes water pollution. The permit-required City inspection program is intended to minimize the risk of stormwater pollution originating in areas of existing development by inspecting businesses and institutional sites prioritized as having higher risk for pollution-generating activities.

Here you see hazmat barrels, leaking dumpsters, kitchen grease, car washes, and leaky vehicles.

These sources of pollution can be addressed by cleaning up existing spills, and adding secondary containment pallets so if a spill occurs it will go into the secondary container, thereby preventing a spill into the nearby creek or pond.

And since we don’t want this stuff getting into our sewers either, we also have inspection by the Shoreline Wastewater System.
 
What are the targeted industries in Shoreline? It will be those that are deemed at a higher risk of having on-site pollution activities: gas stations, repair shops, restaurants, bars, mobile restaurants, grocery stores, nurseries, or any operation that has a maintenance yard. These can be either public or privately owned entities.

Site inspections will use education and outreach to help site owners adopt appropriate pollution prevention practices.

We estimate 550 sites for source control out of 7,400 businesses licensed in Shoreline. This would result in about 110 permit-required inspections per year, and 1 enforcement case per year.

We already have robust code, so we are proposing some pretty minor changes: allowing the Utility to conduct inspections and require the site’s owners to implement Best Management Practices (BMPs).

The total cost is estimated to be under $100,000 which is primarily staffing.

DISCUSSION

This was a very technical staff report so thank you for this clear presentation.

How do you plan to prioritize 110 inspections out of 7,400 businesses?
  • Reply Christie Lovelace: We have a prioritization process in place. We look at two main factors:
    • The type of pollution generating activities going on at the site. Some are more serious than others. Although they are all considered high risk as part of this program, some are more concerning.
    • The history of compliance. There are some sites that had issues in the past with preventing pollution onsite. And once these inspections get underway, we will also be tracking if there are issues with onsite pollution. We will also conduct re-inspections which be included in the 110 inspections/year.
How are you defining “site”? For instance, is Shoreline CC considered one or multiple sites?
  • Reply Christie Lovelace: One site. But if we find we need to deal with multiple entities we could possibly break it up into multiple sites. This will a learning curve as we deal with large organizations.
If people call to report oil or soap in the water, does this program help at all? Or is this program just working with the source control?
  • Reply Christie Lovelace: When we get a call, we look at cleaning it up and figure out the source. If we find the site, that site will then be included in the Source Control Program. We try to be proactive, but we are also reactive.
Do you consider large parking lots an area of concern?
  • Reply: Parking lots are not considered of high risk of pollution generation unless they are especially large lots, or had a history of spills. There also could be a car parts store where some work on vehicles is done in the parking lot.
Are you relying on public reports or do you use other means to identify possible violations in area such as Boeing Creek?
  • Reply: We rely on any source, but often we get the call from members of the public who notice something is amiss. But we do have City field operative staff who are trained to identify spills or other sources of pollution. There are eyes and ears all over the City.
This will return on the Consent Calendar.

8(b) Discussion of the Transportation Master Plan Update: Draft Bicycle Plan

Nora Daley-Pang made the presentation

This is the 6th in the series of discussions of the Transportation Master Plan (TIP).

OUTREACH 3 will launch tomorrow

From the City of Shoreline: The Transportation Master Plan (TMP) team is kicking off Outreach Series 3 with three short informational videos and a survey. Many of you have participated in earlier surveys about your travel habits and needs. The City would now like your feedback on draft plans created for various travel modes (auto, transit, shared-use mobility, pedestrian, and bicycle) and the criteria for identifying and prioritizing future transportation projects.

The survey will be available from Tuesday, April 19 through Sunday, May 8, 2022.

Please access the informational videos and survey on the project webpage at shorelinewa.gov/tmp

Identifying and working to achieve a complete network of streets that supports safe, comfortable, and convenient travel by bicycle in Shoreline is an important piece of the overall transportation network. Over the past decade, how we plan for bicycling has evolved. We have shifted our focus from accommodating the types of cyclists in context to the traffic speeds and the volume of streets.

Levels 1 and 2 tend to be trails that are fully separated from vehicle traffic, or low volume low speed neighborhood streets. Level 3 can be bike lanes along collector or minor arterials. Level 4 will include arterials where no bike facilities exist so cyclists must navigate cars.

In developing the bicycle network, the project team identified a draft Bicycle LTS (Level of Stress) Vision with a network of LTS 1, 2, and 3 routes in Shoreline. In general, it is recommended that the City work towards providing a connected network where a “low stress” route (LTS 1 or 2) is available within a short distance of one’s origin and destination.

The draft bicycle plan includes existing and future pedestrian bicycle bridges, existing trails like the Interurban Trail and future trails like the Trail along the Rail. Existing and future trail connections include the existing Interurban-Burke-Gilman Trails North and South Connectors and the planned 145th Street Off Corridor Bike Network, which will help users navigate from trails to their final destinations. While these routes have various bicycle facility types, they tend to be on low-speed, low volume local streets.

Finally, the draft plan shows existing and future bicycle facilities. These are bicycle facilities along arterial streets that require specific treatments to meet the desired level (Level of Stress.)

DISCUSSION

Some of these routes seem circuitous. How clear will the directions and signage be?
  • Reply: We are looking at how easy is it for users to actually navigate and get to their destination. These routes are still being reviewed. We are trying to address these things by design.
Local streets have a wide variety of traffic volumes and I believe local streets should be categorized by volume especially regarding bicycle and pedestrian traffic.

Do striped bike lanes really work? We need a buffer, not just paint on the ground. Not just here but in other states, you might not recognize a painted bike lane. You might think of it as just a shoulder or something like that. We need to put in protected bike lanes as our standard.

I agree with that protected lanes are really essential for people that aren’t hardcore bicyclists to feel comfortable. But people sometimes take shortcuts so they find a way to get around the hold up with their car and go on roads that perhaps weren’t thought of as a regular path. We need to be cognizant of that.
  • Reply: In terms of neighborhood streets and keeping them low volume and low stress, we have looked at future traffic and volume. But another piece of it is the design aspect. We are talking about a biking network. If we are seeing during the time of design that volumes are creeping up on those other streets, there are some things that we can do to discourage more auto trips in terms of traffic diversion.
8(c) Discussion of Resolution No. 487 - Approving the Relocation Plan and City Manager Property Acquisition Authority, and Ordinance No. 956 - Authorizing the Use of Eminent Domain for Acquisition of Certain Real Properties, to Construct the N 175th Street, Stone Avenue N to I-5 Project

Presentation by Randy Witt, Public Works Director

Proposed Resolution No. 487 increases the City Manager’s signing authority to $1,000,000 for property acquisition in the early acquisitions ROW (right of way) phase for the N 175th Street Project. Additionally, it approves the Relocation Plan that authorizes the City Manager to approve documented relocation claims up to the limits prescribed by federal or state law regardless of amount.

Council has talked about this a couple of times since the beginning of the year on the 145th Street Project. So I will review quickly.

The project is approved by Council and acquisitions are fully funded. The project follows the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policy and the proposed Resolution includes only the full acquisition of parcels at this time.

We want to move quickly because real estate prices are rapidly increasing. Also, a quicker approval process is beneficial to property owners because they get what they are deserving of, and it also allows them to get replacement property before prices rise again. The amount requested allows 100% of the 4 properties to be authorized by the City Manager.

DISCUSSION

Thank you for pointing out that there is precedent for increasing the City Manager’s authority. Plus I thinks it’s important to keep the projects moving along. Eminent domain, which we have discussed many times, is not ideal or preferable, but trying to negotiate first is appropriate and I wish you luck in that endeavor. I am comfortable using eminent domain if we have to.

I agree. And I do believe the market is on an upward climb so the earlier the better to reach an agreement with the property owners is beneficial for both sides. Eminent domain is not threatening - it’s actually favorable to both parties to avoid extra costs.

I don’t think I caught this: Is the issue with these 4 properties because the houses are so close to the road and the ROW that’s needed? Why these particular properties?
  • Reply: Broadly speaking, some houses are close. Sometimes with grade changes we can’t keep the access. Those are probably the two main levers.
So if we need a part of the driveway, that becomes a problem for the use of the entire parcel?
  • Reply: Yes, if the driveway is very steep. Think of it as taking away the use of the property because it is too steep to access.
What do we do with the remaining property once we’ve completed the project and we don’t need to meet our requirements?
  • Reply: we’re not that far yet. But in other locations we are trying to look at open space or places to locate vaults.
This will return on the Consent Calendar on May 2nd.

Meeting adjourned



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Rainbows for Earth Day

Friday, April 22, 2022

Double bow photo by Mike Remarcke

Much of the day Thursday, there was light rain, clouds, occasional sun - our usual weather. But it managed to produce a number of rainbows.

An almost complete arch. Photo by Mike Remarcke

Mike Remarcke captured these beauties - a fitting forerunner to Earth Day.

Photo by Mike Remarcke

And finally, a waterfall rainbow with fleecy clouds and vivid colors.



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Town Hall on Climate Resiliency Saturday

Celebrate Earth Day online 
with Town Hall on Climate Resiliency

The second Lake Forest Park Town Hall Meeting on Climate Resiliency is this Saturday, April 23, 2022, from 10:00am to 2:00pm, via Zoom.

Celebrate Earth Day by thinking about and planning what you can do about climate.

Speakers:
  • State Representative Davina Duerr, District 1 update on climate action in 2022 legislative session
  • Sarah Jaquette Ray, author of A Field Guide to Climate Anxiety: How to Keep Your Cool on a Warming Planet speaking on Harnessing Climate Anxiety for a Better Planet
  • Heather Price, examining individual and community actions to address the fossil-fueled climate crisis
  • Youth Panel high school students sharing their concerns and their efforts on behalf of the climate
Breakout sessions:
  • e-bikes technology and climate solutions
  • e-vehicles working toward gas free vehicles
  • How to talk to your friends and neighbors about recycling
  • Home weatherization
  • Forest stewardship
  • Reading through the climate crisis

Pre-Registration Required, REGISTER HERE



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City of Shoreline acknowledges error in early removal of trees along NE 5th Avenue

Photo courtesy Shoreline Tree Code committee
As part of the 5th Avenue NE sidewalk project between NE 175th Street and NE 182nd Court, the City of Shoreline identified 23 trees to be removed in order to complete the project. 

This was after making design adjustments to reduce the original estimate of 99 trees for removal to 23. 

As part of the construction process, the City marks the clearing limits for the project and with an arborist makes a final determination if any trees planned for removal can be retained. 

In addition, trees scheduled for removal are posted for 14 days with a notice of their intended removal. During the 14-day noticing window, no trees are to be removed.

After the contractor staked the project area along 5th Avenue NE, but before the arborist’s review and the end of the 14-day tree removal noticing period, which would have been April 25, the contractor began cutting trees. 

In all, the contractor removed 15 trees early. This was an error in communication by the contracted city inspector and the sidewalk contractor. We acknowledge that the timing of the tree removal was an error. City staff are evaluating what led to this mistake and what steps need to be taken for future projects to ensure trees are not removed before the end of the 14-day noticing period.

The final inspection by the arborist occurred April 21. The arborist determined that all 23 trees identified for removal needed to be removed. Although the 15 trees were removed early, they still would have been removed as part of the sidewalk project. Of the 15 trees removed early, five were non-native Hollies that were found to be badly diseased and rotting.

The 5th Avenue sidewalk project is part of the 2018 Voter-Approved Sidewalk Program. We will construct sidewalks on both sides of the street and will connect to other new sidewalks that are under construction on 5th Avenue NE, north of 182nd Court, as part of Sound Transit’s 185th Street Link Light Rail Station. Sidewalks along 5th Avenue will provide a critical link for Shoreline residents to light rail.



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Training neighbors to restore their watersheds

Ballinger Creek photo by Londa Jacques
Applications are now being accepted for a program that empowers community members with a passion for their local streams, clean water, and local wildlife. 

Community Action Training School (CATS) provides a free series of lectures – presented in a hybrid in-person and virtual format this year – and field trips. In exchange, participants volunteer on a local watershed improvement project of their choosing.

“We are thrilled to once again work with enthusiastic community members who are dedicated to being changemakers,” says Sarah Heerhartz, Executive Director of Mid Sound Fisheries Enhancement Group. 
“Protecting and restoring our rivers and natural areas requires many partners – from national governments to local ones, from nonprofit organizations to responsible businesses – and including people from all walks of life. 
"I have seen how passionate individuals play a critical role in watershed health and salmon recovery – from restoring their local parks to holding elected officials accountable. 
"Community Action Training School helps people focus their passions and interests and knits them into closer connection with likeminded people in their communities, creating projects that make a lasting difference and watershed advocates that have the support to sustain long-term work in their local communities.”

Tracy Banaszynski, Project Manager for Mid Sound Fisheries Enhancement Group. agrees.

“Participants have created a positive impact on their watersheds through a huge variety of project types. Projects from past sessions of Community Action Training School cohorts include the creation of Students Saving Salmon at Edmonds Woodway High School, community-led restoration events, and translation of interpretive signs in one participant’s local park to the languages most often spoken in her neighborhood. 
"In our last cohort, one participant worked with her local Trout Unlimited chapter to create a trapping program to eradicate an invasive frog species that threatens Kokanee restoration efforts. Another adopted a natural area in his childhood neighborhood that had become overrun with invasive Himalayan blackberry and engaged his community in restoring the site. 
"People come up with the most amazing projects when they feel empowered to use their voices and energies to help heal our watershed.”

Applications for this free program are due May 4, 2022. You can find out more at the websites of Sound Salmon Solutions and Mid Sound Fisheries Enhancement Group, the two organizations jointly organizing Community Action Training School in WRIAs 7 and 8.

“I’ve always cared about salmon. But by participating in the CATS program, I better understood where I could best fit my talents into the road to salmon restoration,” says Dana Kemmerling, past CATS participant. 
“The speakers they brought in covered a range of the issues that are important to my community. Then, I was able to use my enthusiasm—and my marketing experience—to help co-workers and friends become inspired to help rip out blackberries and plant native plants along the Sammamish River.”

This program is funded by the King County Flood Control District, directed by the Snoqualmie Watershed Forum and the Cedar / Sammamish / Lake Washington watersheds.




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