Home sales in Shoreline during May 2022

Monday, June 13, 2022

The following are properties that sold in Shoreline during the month of May 2022. Data compiled for the Shoreline Area News by the Shoreline Windermere office.

While we are starting to see some signs of a more balanced market, last month's statistics don't reflect that quite yet - other than seeing more properties selling at their list price, and even below. 







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Shorewood grad plays a special evening of music on the Solstice in Shoreline - Tuesday June 21

Emily Asher June 21 in Shoreline

Emily Asher's Garden Party, led by Shorewood HS ('98) and UW Alum Emily Asher, play a special evening of music at the Innis Arden Club House on Tuesday, June 21, 2022 at 6:30pm. 

Tickets and information here.

Celebrate the longest day of the year as you listen to hot jazz, sip cool drinks, and mingle inside and on the patio in the late evening sun.

Emily Asher is a trombonist, singer, educator, bandleader, and songwriter. The New York Times notes her “buoyant charm” and Wall Street Journal claims “In traditional jazz, the trombone comes closest to the human voice, although up to now it's rarely been cast as a distinctly female voice...Ms. Asher plays with both grit and grace.”

For a very limited Pacific Northwest tour, Asher is joined by her uncommonly versatile New York City-based band of legendary guitarist James Chirillo, trumpet and cornetist Mike Davis, reed man Jacob Zimmerman, bassist Rob Adkins, and drummer Jay Lepley. 

Celebrating Asher’s fifth album, If I Were A Window, the band plays hot jazz, swing, salsa, and ballads ranging from striking and unusual to traditional and catchy, taking listeners on a fun international sound tour.

Sample her music here



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Cartoon by Whitney Potter: Boat

 

Previous cartoons by Whitney Potter HERE



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Black Rocket STEAM Computer Camps at Shoreline Community College


Photo provided by Shoreline Community College

Shoreline Community College is proud to offer STEAM camps in partnership with Black Rocket, a leader in national tech-education. Black Rocket’s distinct programs in Creative Sciences and Digital Arts focus on the intersection of creativity and technology. 

Each camp emphasizes self-empowerment, cognitive reasoning, and divergent thinking through hands-on learning. Black Rocket's mission is to help ignite, unleash, and enhance every student's distinct talents.

In-Person Camps

August 1 - 5th from 9:30am - 3:30pm
Minecraft Redstone Engineers (AM) and ROBLOX Coders & Entrepreneurs(PM)
11 to 14 years old
Camp Fees: $499

August 22 - 26 from 9:30am - 3:30pm
Minecraft Redstone Engineers (AM) and Make Your First 3D Video Game (PM)
8 to 11 years old
Camp Fees: $499

REGISTER HERE




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BECU accepting nominations for their 2022 People Helping People Awards!

BECU, Washington’s largest credit union, is currently accepting nominations for their 2022 People Helping People Awards! 

This annual, member-driven program recognizes both BECU members and local nonprofits that are dedicated to serving their communities, from ending hunger and pushing for social equity and justice, to transforming lives through education, mentorship and more. 

Interested nonprofits are encouraged to share this opportunity with their network so that a BECU member may nominate them for this awards program.

Other facts include:
  • Each winner will receive up to $50,000 in grant funds and a glide path grant of $2,500 for the two years following their initial award.
  • Through our Black Community Development Project (BCDP), a five-year, $5 million commitment to Black communities and racial equity, we’re giving up to $150,000 in additional funding to support small, Black-led nonprofits nominated by BECU members. (Glide path funding does not apply to BCDP grant recipients)
  • Since the program launched in 2013, BECU has donated more than $3 million to over 120 local nonprofits. A list of our 2021 award recipients can be found here.
For nonprofits interested in learning more about the nomination process, key submission dates and award amounts, please visit www.becu.org/members-matter/community-involvement/people-helping-people

Note that BECU member nominations are currently open through Thursday, June 30.



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The return of National Night Out Against Crime in Shoreline and Lake Forest Park

NATIONAL NIGHT OUT AGAINST CRIME
TUESDAY, AUGUST 2, 2022 - 6pm to 9pm

National Night Out returns on Tuesday August 2, 2022 from 6-9pm

Turn on your porch or patio lights, and step outside for the 2022 National Night Out!

National Night Out is about building community and making our neighborhoods safer by getting to know our neighbors and neighborhood partners.

This annual community-building event is a great opportunity for neighbors to get together again. 

Organize a block party, ice cream social, or barbecue for your block!

SHORELINE

Register your gathering with the City of Shoreline to request a visit from Shoreline Police, Shoreline Fire, or City Staff (visits are limited by availability). If you want to hold an activity in the street or close the street, a permit may be required. Road closure applications must be submitted no later than July 12.

Visit shorelinewa.gov/nno for more information and to register.

LAKE FOREST PARK

Invite a Lake Forest Park Police officer to come by and say hello.
Email rlehman@cityoflfp.com for more questions.

Registration Forms are available at the Police Department or online here at:


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Field of Flowers

Sunday, June 12, 2022

 
Photo by Lee Lageschulte

A small field of wildflowers brightens the grey day.





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LFP Planning Commission Public Hearing on proposed sign code update Tuesday

The Lake Forest Park Planning Commission is holding a public hearing on potential changes to the City’s sign regulations on Tuesday June 14, 2022 at 7:00pm - in person and online.

Example of temporary sign from previous year
The Commission has been working with the City Attorney on a set of recommendations to the City Council that are necessary to bring the City’s signage regulations into compliance with federal case law regarding free speech.

Many sections of the City’s existing sign regulations regulate content (or speech), meaning that you have to read a sign to determine how it will be regulated. Those sections have been amended with draft language that addresses the physical characteristics instead of the content of the sign. 

For example, there is currently a definition in the sign code for ‘Celebration signs’ which defines such signs by the kinds of words that would appear in the sign (‘celebration of business anniversaries or announcing major sales’). That definition is slated to be replaced with a more generic term such as ‘portable sign’ or ‘temporary sign,’ depending on the context.

While those content-based amendments are primarily intended to change the way signs are regulated, the Commission’s current draft only includes one new provision that would significantly change the signage which businesses or residents are allowed to have. 

This change would allow interior businesses in the Town Center to have signs on the exterior of the building. The current regulations only allowed those businesses to be identified on the signs at the vehicular and pedestrian entrances to the shopping center.

The Commission hopes you will take some time to review the draft changes that can be accessed through this link to the Public Hearing Notice

Comments can be provided in writing or via Zoom during the meeting (instructions for both are also in the public hearing notice). Members of the public may also attend the meeting and comment in person at City Hall on Tuesday, June 14, at 7:00pm.



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Home sales in Lake Forest Park during May 2022

The following are properties that sold in Lake Forest Park during the month of May 2022. Data compiled for the Shoreline Area News by the Shoreline Windermere office.

While we are starting to see some signs of a more balanced market, last month's statistics don't reflect that quite yet - other than seeing more properties selling at their list price, and even below. 




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Shoreline Historical Museum events Saturday: Golden Wheels Car Show and Neighborhood History Walk

The Golden Wheels car club will display their vintage autos on Saturday, June 18, 2020 from 10am to 2pm at the Shoreline Historical Museum 18501 Linden Ave N, Shoreline WA 98133.

Starting from the Museum at 10am, a Neighborhood History Walk will explore the area around the museum from a historical perspective.



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Obituary: Karl Johan Hansen 1942-2022

Karl Johan Hansen
1942-2022
KARL JOHAN HANSEN
1942 - 2022

Karl Johan Hansen “Bestefar”, 80, passed away Monday, June 6, 2022 surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Karmøy, Norway June 6, 1942 to Emilie (Dyrland) and Sigurd Hansen. Relocated to Seattle, WA in 1961 to pursue a career in the fishing industry.

Karl Johan began working at an early age. He was only 13 when he got a job at the butcher shop where he would deliver meats and sausages to various stores by bicycle. The owner of the shop had a three wheel motorcycle that Karl Johan enjoyed. When the butcher wasn’t watching, he would take the motorcycle for a spin as the butcher would chase and holler at him. Eventually the butcher just gave in and let him be. One day he drove right into a truck, but managed to get away with just a few scratches. The motorcycle was another story.

At the age of 14 Karl Johan got his first job on a fishing boat, making two trips to Iceland to fish for herring. Later he did a fishing trip closer to home and as fate would have it, the weather was bad and they ran aground. One man was lost, Karl Johan survived the accident.

When Karl Johan turned 16 he joined the Merchant Marines as a galley boy. At 17, he was promoted to second cook, where he learned his cooking skills.

In 1961 Karl Johan immigrated to the United States and settled in Ballard. Later he got a job fishing on the Washington coast; eventually becoming a skipper.

In 1966 the love of his life, Else, came to the United States. They were married shortly thereafter. They eventually relocated to Shoreline, WA where they raised their three children.

Immediately following their wedding, Karl Johan and a friend went salmon fishing in Alaska; but the paycheck was meager. The boat sank, fortunately they were both saved.

In 1973, Karl Johan became a U.S. citizen. He was proud of his citizenship, but always made sure his family visited their homeland and his parents’ home every summer. Norwegian traditions remain important to the entire family.

In 1974 he bought the fishing boat Ocean Spray together with Kenneth and Dennis Petersen. Karl Johan started crab fishing in Alaska and soon earned his nickname “the Champ” from his employers and fellow fishermen.

In the 90s, Karl Johan sold the Ocean Spray. He then had his salmon boat built and named her Elka. Karl Johan, Else and their son Stan fished in Bristol Bay for salmon every summer for five years. In 2001, their boat Elka was lost in a warehouse fire along with nearly 30 other boats. Karl Johan leased a boat the next season, and then retired from fishing.

Karl Johan took pleasure in carpentry, smoking salmon, cooking, and spending time with his grandchildren. He also enjoyed attending his granddaughter’s dance recitals, and his grandsons’ games. He was also an avid Seahawks and Sounders fan and rarely missed watching a game. Karl Johan also loved dogs, with three grand-dogs he loved giving treats to when they came to visit.

Throughout Karl Johan’s life he enjoyed music, playing the guitar, singing, telling stories and jokes. He loved his family greatly and enjoyed the company of many friends. He was a wonderful man, husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend and will be missed by all.

Karl Johan “Bestefar” is survived by his wife of 56 years, Else (Martinsen) Hansen; his children, Jan Eivin Hansen, Stan Hansen and his wife Shari, Evelyn Hansen-Baker and her husband James; his grandchildren, Jessika Marie, Joshua Riley and Corey Johan; many nieces, nephews; and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Emilie (Dyrland) and Sigurd Hansen, and brother Sverre Hansen.

Karl Johan will be laid to rest at Evergreen Washelli Cemetery.

The family wishes to send a special thank you to the ICU medical staff at Swedish Hospital in Edmonds.

A private memorial service will be held for family and close friends.



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Shoreline School District honors 2022 retirees

Reception for school retirees. Photo by Steven H. Robinson

By Diane Hettrick

Co-workers, school board members, and administrators past and present gathered at the Shoreline Room at the Shoreline Center on Thursday, June 9, 2022 to honor the 2022 Shoreline Schools retirees.

Superintendent Susana Reyes photo by Steven H. Robinson
Each one was introduced in turn and each spoke to the crowd. They were presented with the traditional blue crystal apples. The base has a small plaque with their name and years of service.

Every retiree was given the traditional blue crystal apple. Photo by Steven H. Robinson

All photos by Steven H. Robinson
2022 Retirement Reception Honorees
(left to right starting with the top row)
  • Jennifer Altena, Syre Elementary 1999-2022
  • Linda Bow, Shorecrest High School 1979-2022
  • Karen Bradley, Syre Elementary 2001-2022
  • David Guthrie, Einstein Middle School 1995-2022
  • Betty Humphreys, Business Services 1981-2021
  • Linda Jepsen, Einstein Middle School 2001-2022
  • Sam Long, Dispatcher and Router with Transportation Department 2001-2022
  • Marla Miller, Superintendent's Office 2012-2022
  • Sharon Moser, Shorecrest High School 1974-2022
  • Elizabeth Nunes, Ridgecrest Elementary 2018-2022
  • Tam Osborne, Human Resources 1983-1998 and 2010-2022
  • Bob Phillips, Elementary Music 1986-2022
  • Amy Pleasant, Syre Elementary 1990-2022
  • Elaine Swanson, Shorewood High School 2004-2022
  • Shirley Van Beek, Syre Elementary 1999-2022
Not pictured:
  • Stephen Growden, Shorecrest High School 2004-2022
  • Hadj Maaradji, Transportation 2017-2021

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Gloria's Birds: Launch of the Chestnut-backed Chickadee!

Saturday, June 11, 2022

 
Photo copyright Gloria Z. Nagler

Comin' at ya!


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Winning weed wars without chemicals


This FREE online gardening class will teach you many different ways to control unwanted plants without resorting to herbicide sprays. 

More details and required registration information can be found on the following link:FREE Savvy Gardener Class – Winning Weed Wars Without Chemicals - North City Water District



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City of Lake Forest Park recognizes observance of Juneteenth as Legal Holiday

2021 Juneteenth mural by artists Artists Myron Curry and Cynncear Easley

In a resolution approved at its meeting on June 9, 2022, the Mayor and Lake Forest Park City Council declared Juneteenth, June 19th, a city holiday in remembrance of the day in 1865 that enslaved African Americans in Texas finally learned of their freedom. 

It was further resolved by the Mayor and Council that the end of the atrocity of slavery should be acknowledged and celebrated by the City of Lake Forest Park as Juneteenth—a day to revisit solidarity and commitment to antiracism.

The City Council also finds that, in celebration of Juneteenth, June 19th will be recognized as a City holiday, and the City will be closed. Because June 19th is on a Sunday this year, City offices will be closed on Monday, June 20, except for Passport Services which will still service the scheduled appointments on June 20.

The Committee of the Whole regular meeting scheduled for June 20 is canceled, and a special Committee of the Whole meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, June 21, beginning at 6:00pm. The meeting will be held in the hybrid format and interested persons may attend in person at City Hall or via Zoom. Please see the agenda, once it is available, for the Zoom information.



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School Board Study Session on Zoom Tuesday on Healthy Youth survey

School board and finance staff
The Shoreline School Board will hold a Study Session on Tuesday, June 14, at 6:00 pm on the topic of Healthy Youth Survey. 

The meeting will be held via Zoom only.

Link to meeting:
Webinar ID: 898 2037 4839
Passcode: 216903
Dial-In Phone Numbers: 1-253-215-8782 or 1-669-900-6833




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Shoreline K-5 Schools open to Out-of-District students

Parkwood Elementary School photo courtesy Shoreline Schools

Starting this coming 2022-23 school year, Shoreline School District elementary schools will be open to transfer requests from out-of-district students. 

In recent years, our K-5 schools have been closed to Choice Transfer Requests from students who live outside the district boundaries, but a recent decline in enrollment and projected decreasing numbers means we have room in the coming school year.

If a family that lives outside of the Shoreline Schools boundary would like to be considered, the first step is to visit this state portal and complete a Choice Transfer Request for their child. 

Each building will consider the transfer request based on factors such as space in the school/grade and a student's attendance history (see Board Policy 3141P for a full list). Choice Transfer Requests are submitted and considered annually. Once notified of acceptance, the family may then complete the standard enrollment process for their child.

There is no change to the policy that Choice Transfer Requests are still considered for middle and high schools. 

The Head Start and Early Childhood Education (Special Education) programs run by Edwin Pratt Early Learning Center are still closed to out-of-district students.



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Jobs: WSDOT Plant Establishment Program Lead (TPS4)

WSDOT
Plant Establishment Program Lead (TPS4)

Shoreline, WA. – Northwest Region
$72,727 - $97,788 Annually

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) Northwest Region (NWR) is currently seeking a self-motivated, independent worker who thrives within a dynamic team setting and takes pride in their work to serve as Plant Establishment Program Lead. 

This position will support WSDOT’s mission by providing expertise to meet the federal, state, and local environmental permit and policy goals of vegetated roadsides and mitigation sites. The successful candidate appointed into this position will further support WSDOT’s mission by improving environmental conditions through wise financial and adaptive resource management. 

Your involvement and initiative will be supporting the natural ecology of our region and the livelihood of the travelling public. With this in mind, WSDOT is searching for someone who has a passion for environmental stewardship and wants to make a truly rewarding contribution to WSDOT Northwest Region and the state of Washington.

Job description and application



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Iowa State University announces spring 2022 Dean's List

AMES, Iowa (June 8, 2022) - Approximately 9,500 Iowa State University students have been recognized for outstanding academic achievement by being named to the spring semester 2022 Dean's List. 

Students named to the Dean's List must have earned a grade point average of at least 3.50 on a 4.00 scale while carrying a minimum of 12 credit hours of graded course work.

HOMETOWN, STATE; NAME, CLASS YEAR, CURRICULUM

Shoreline, WA

Mario Lloyd Galvao-Wilson, 4, Biology (AGLS)



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University of Wisconsin-Madison names local student to Dean's List

UW-Madison
MADISON, Wis (June 9, 2022) - The University of Wisconsin-Madison has recognized students named to the Dean's List for the spring semester of the 2021-2022 academic year.

Students who achieve at a high level academically are recognized by the dean at the close of each semester.

To be eligible for the Dean's List, students must complete a minimum of 12 graded degree credits in that semester.

HOMETOWN, STATE; NAME, COLLEGE, AWARD

Seattle, WA

Tzyy-Hsien Young, College of Letters and Science, Dean's List



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Summer Smash tennis is back for its seventh year


After COVID forced the cancellation of the Snohomish Summer Smash in 2020, a record number of players turned out for the tennis tournament for high school players in 2021, with 130 competitors representing 32 high schools. 

This year the action will take place from July 21st through 24th, at the Snohomish High School courts. 

Registration costs are $35 for Singles players and $50 for Doubles and Mixed Doubles teams, with proceeds going to the Snohomish High School tennis programs.

Tournament Director Kraig Norris, in conjunction with the Snohomish High School coaches, formed the tournament in 2015 to counter the lack of competitive options for players who aren’t registered with the US Tennis Association. 

Reaching out to eight tennis clubs and over forty high schools throughout the region, Norris said the feedback he’s received from coaches and players is one of excitement at this opportunity to compete.

Registration deadline for the tournament is July 13th, and players interested in participating can go to snohomishsummersmash.com for a printable registration form, or to register online.



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Rollover on I-5 Friday at NE 205th

Photo courtesy WSDOT

A rollover just before noon on Friday, June 10, 2022 blocking the southbound HOV lane just south of the King-SnoCo line.

No information on condition of the driver or cause of the rollover.


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Vandalized glass panels on Blue Bridge to be replaced this weekend

Photo courtesy City of Shoreline

Glass replacement for the Interurban Pedestrian Bridges at Aurora Avenue N and N 155th Street will begin this weekend. 

Pedestrians and bicyclists will still be able to access the bridges, but are urged to use caution in the work areas. 

Traffic revisions will be in place and delays may be possible. Please use alternate routes if you are able and if you must drive through the area, reduce your speed and drive cautiously to keep everyone safe.

Thank you in advance for your patience as the bridges are restored after being vandalized last year.

--City of Shoreline



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Jobs: Executive Director Kruckeberg Botanic Garden

Photo by Wayne Pridemore

As of June 1,  2022 Joe Abken accepted a new position as Society Manager at the Bellevue Botanic Garden. 

We will deeply miss him but look forward to seeing what magic he makes on the other side of the lake! Therefore, we are looking to hire a new Executive Director to offer an opportunity to continue the good work Joe seeded at the Garden.

Kruckeberg Botanic Garden
Executive Director Job Description

Job Title: Executive Director
Category: Exempt
Location: Shoreline WA
Date: June 2022
Salary: $65,000-67,000 DOE

SUMMARY:

The Kruckeberg Botanic Garden is a four-acre public garden in the City of Shoreline that operates as a non-profit foundation. It is a living collection of over 2000 native and rare plants that serves as a gathering place for the community to learn, be inspired, and feel connected to the natural world.

The Kruckeberg Botanic Garden Foundation is looking to hire a full-time Executive Director to manage the day-to-day operations of the Kruckeberg Botanic Garden and property. This will include supervision of garden and educational program staff. The Executive Director, in collaboration with the board of directors, develops short- and long-term goals aligned with a strategic plan that requires fundraising for day-to-day operational funds. In addition, the Executive Director will be the face of the Garden within the larger community, with Foundation donors, and key partners such as the City of Shoreline, as well as many local nonprofits and horticultural organizations in the region.

Primary Responsibilities:
  • Collaborate with the board and staff to identify, prioritize, and successfully accomplish strategic goals, meet operational needs, maintain the budget, and fulfill the Foundation’s mission.
  • Lead all aspects of the Foundation's day-to-day operations, including supervising the staff and volunteers.
  • Develop and implement strategies for sustainable revenue development and fundraising, and foster and maintain major donor relationships.
  • Work with the City of Shoreline to support the Garden’s infrastructure needs and major projects that advance the vision of the Garden.
  • Manage the onsite MsK rare plant nursery to maintain inventory and merchandise, including identifying and maintaining relationships with local wholesale nurseries.
  • Oversee the Program Manager and adult and children’s educational programming at the garden.
Organizational Leadership
  • Implement strategies, policies, and practices with the board, staff, and volunteers ensuring organizational effectiveness.
  • Manage a dedicated team of staff and volunteers. Ensure they have the necessary tools, skills, and information. Create a collaborative and supportive environment where teams work well together.
  • Work collaboratively with the City of Shoreline to best utilize the resources of the Foundation and City of Shoreline to maintain, expand, and develop the Garden.
  • Manage the overall financial systems and controls.
  • Provide excellent customer service and act as an ambassador for Foundation and Garden to visitors, donors, board, staff, volunteers, and partners.
  • Be active and visible in the community to increase awareness of the organization and its mission.
Garden Management
  • Supervise garden staff and volunteers in the care and maintenance of the grounds and plant collection using sustainable/organic horticultural practices
  • Enhance the aesthetics of the garden that include permanent sculptures
  • Manage the curated plant collection with documentation in IrisBG database
  • Partner with the City of Shoreline in the maintenance and updating of garden facilities including the construction of an ADA accessible ramp in 2023
  • Lead Garden tours
Children and Adult Educational Programming
  • Oversee the Program Manager’s yearly plan for children’s programming, which includes curriculum, scheduled classes, field trips, and camps.
  • Collaborate with the Program Manager to develop adult programming.
Fund Development
  • Increase revenue from annual fundraising events and activities to align with the Foundation’s strategic plan.
  • Develop and foster relationships with individual donors, foundations, and corporations.
  • Develop and grow the Foundation’s membership base.
  • Oversee the onsite “MsK Nursery” operation and mission. Ensure that pricing and markups are within scope.
Human Resources
  • Manage payroll, including reviewing and approving payroll and timesheets.
  • Manage employee relations, including reviews, issues, and resolutions.
  • Oversee employee handbook updates as needed.
  • Implement morale-boosting activities for employees.
Financial Management
  • Manage the Foundation’s operating budget of $200,000 within the budget and policies established by the board and current federal and local laws and regulations.
  • Review and implement financial policies and procedures in coordination with the Foundation’s Finance Committee.
  • Oversee bookkeeping and revenue procedures.
  • Recommend an annual budget to the Foundation’s Finance Committee and board Treasurer for review and adoption by the board of directors.
  • Coordinate with the contracted bookkeeper for annual tax return preparation.
Event Coordination
  • Manage the Garden’s Community events, including Solstice Stroll and Concert in the Park series.
  • Coordinate with staff, board members, and the City of Shoreline for assistance.
REQUIREMENTS:
  • Bachelor’s or graduate degree, or a combination of education and experience, in a field related to the Foundation’s mission
  • Five years of horticulture, botany, environmental education, or another garden-related discipline
  • At least five years of development experience, particularly with major donors
  • At least five years or equivalent, administrative experience working for a non-profit organization, two of which shall have been in a supervisory position.
  • Experience working with a board of directors, developing and managing budgets, and implementing strategic plans
  • Strong communication, writing, marketing, and social media skills
  • Entrepreneurial inclination and creativity
  • Proficiency in computer and software programs including Microsoft Office/Google Drive, WordPress, database/systems
  • Ability to work in all weather conditions, lift and carry heavy objects (minimum of 30 lbs), navigate the topography of the garden, and climb stairs regularly.

SUPERVISION: The Executive Director reports directly to the Kruckeberg Botanic Garden Foundation Board of Directors.

TO APPLY: email a letter of interest and resume to Katie Schielke, President of the Board of Directors: katie@kruckeberg.org

Visit kruckeberg.org to learn more about the Kruckeberg Garden.



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Spring Into Action Fair this Saturday, June 11 showcases nonprofits that provide help for residents

Friday, June 10, 2022


Looking for sources to help your family through life? The Spring Into Action Fair showcases a variety of non-profit organizations that will display and make presentations that should interest many Shoreline area families and residents with various needs.

This free event will be held Saturday, June 11, from 10:00am to 1:00pm. There will also be games and activities  for children available.
 
The participating organizations include:
Plus:

“This event will help families in the Shoreline area to become more aware of the opportunities within the community to help keep this a great place to live,” stated Nancy Herr, chair of the event. 
She added, “It’s a great time to explore resources available to our extended neighbors.”

 

Over 300 people enjoyed the grand opening of Vision House’s grand opening of Jacob’s Well in 2013, providing a welcoming home for homeless mothers and their children. 
Two of the participants, Bill Bear of Shoreline Community Care, and Venetia Vango of Vision House/Jacobs Well will be speaking at the Men’s Breakfast at 8:00am, prior to the Spring Fair, as well as later in the day for the public.

The event is hosted by Berean Bible Church, located at 1st NE and North 185th Street in Shoreline, and is open to anyone. Free parking is available on both east and west side of the church.

In addition to the exhibits and presentations during the day, there will be a drawing for a hand-tied quilt made by the ladies of Berean, plus a picnic lunch and live music beginning at 12:00 Noon.


Shoreline Fire Department will have a fire engine on-site to explore and information for services that SFD provides the community.
 
All are welcome from the Shoreline and area communities. For additional information, contact Berean Bible Church at 206-363-1466 or Nancy at 206-714-0404.



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Shoreline Walks - North City and Echo Lake parks this Saturday

Walk across the 195th Street pedestrian bridge and the 185th Street bridge near the new link light rail station. Walk through Sky Acres, North City Park, and Shoreline Park. Walk is approximately 3 miles. Rated moderate for some rough trails. Meet at the Shoreline Stadium parking lot, at the south end of the stadium off NE 185th Street near 5th Ave NE.

Walk is approximately 3 miles / 2 hours
Walk Rating: Moderate (bumpy trails)
Meet at: Shoreline Stadium Parking Lot, Located west of Spartan Recreation Center on 185th. Parking lot located on NE 185th St.
Walk Leader: Dan

SHORELINE WALKS
Explore neighborhoods, parks and trails on some of the best walking routes in our City. Designed for adults ages 50+ but open to all ages and abilities, each walk is led by a Volunteer Walk Leader and all walks are free. No need to sign up, just show up at the meetup location and we'll take care of the rest! Friendly dogs on a leash are welcome to join.

Volunteer leaders are welcome. Here is information about what that involves.


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Spots still available for families in the Positive Discipline for Families Program at Center for Human Services in Shoreline

The Center for Human Services still has spots available for families to connect with others and explore positive parenting philosophy and strategies for happy, healthy and strong family!

Positive Discipline for Families Program Registration Form Survey (surveymonkey.com) https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PositiveDisciplineENG



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Rainbow Bingo June 18 at Senior Activity Center


RAINBOW BINGO with our incredible hostess, Sylvia O'Stayformore.


“It’s Super Fun” as quoted on Facebook.

June Rainbow Bingo is on SATURDAY June 18, 2022.

It’s your last chance to see Sylvia until Fall!

Shoreline/Lake Forest Park Senior Activity Center holds our monthly fundraiser RAINBOW BINGO with our incredible hostess, Sylvia O'Stayformore.

  • Participants can expect ten (10) rousing rounds of bingo, complete with prizes and a few musical numbers!
  • Cost: $20 Admission and $10 at the door for your bingo cards.
  • The $20 Admission reserves your seats and includes the evening’s entertainment and loaded nachos.
  • Register online https://shorelinelfpseniorcenter.org/events/special-events/
  • Call 206-365-1536
  • $10 Bingo cards must be purchased at the door by cash or check as required by the Washington State Gambling Commission.

Tickets are still available but we have sold out in the past.
  • Bingo is a 21 and over event. Cash bar will serve beer, wine and jello shots.
  • Please have ID and Proof of Vaccination available.
  • Masks are required as of today, subject to change.


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Permanent gun, ammo return program focus of new King county council legislation

Photo courtesy King County Sheriff's Office

On Tuesday, June 7, 2022 King County Councilmembers Rod Dembowski, Jeanne Kohl-Welles, Joe McDermott, and Girmay Zahilay introduced a proposal to create a permanent, voluntary, safe firearm and ammunition return program within the King County Sheriff's Office. 

“I am committed to doing everything I can to reduce gun violence in King County,” Dembowski said. 
“Reducing the number of guns in circulation will reduce the number of accidents, injuries and deaths caused by guns. And we know from past experience that people welcome the opportunity to turn unwanted guns over to a responsible party for disposal. 
"This program will make that resource available to residents countywide, and I’m hopeful that we can stand it up as soon as possible.”

The program would enable any person to take an unwanted firearm, or ammunition, to any precinct office or storefront operated by the King County Sheriff’s office, including in the 10 contract cities where it provides police services. The legislation also asks the Sheriff to explore partnerships with cities in the county to further expand access and reduce barriers for residents wishing to turn over firearms or ammunition.

The U.S. has seen more than 230 mass shootings in 2022, including the horrific events in Buffalo, New York and Uvalde, Texas last month.

"Our communities in King County, like communities around the country, have experienced a painful spike in gun violence since the start of the pandemic,” said Renée Hopkins, CEO for the Alliance for Gun Responsibility. 
“We know that it will take a comprehensive, public health response to address this urgent crisis. Offering residents a safe, consistent option for returning unwanted firearms and ammunition is an important part of that public health approach."

According to the most recent data available, the number of overall shooting victims in King County was up 70%, and the number of shooting fatalities was up 54% over the 4-year average from 2017 through 2020.

“We need gun reform in more than just our laws —we need it at the cultural and individual level, too, in order to stop the plague of mass shootings in the United States,” Kohl-Welles said. 
“But, getting guns off the street and making them more difficult to access is an important place to start. That’s why I am so pleased to be supporting Councilmember Dembowski’s motion to explore establishing a safe firearm and ammunition return program in King County, and look forward to working with him to advance efforts to support gun safety.”

King County has a record of implementing successful programs and policies to increase gun safety, including requiring the destruction of forfeited firearms, encouraging safe firearm storage and enforcement of Extreme Risk Protection Orders. 

Past voluntary firearm and ammunition return programs, including a gun buyback program coordinated by King County and the City of Seattle in 2013, have proven to be effective in removing firearms from homes and communities. At the 2013 event, 716 firearms were safely surrendered to law enforcement.

“Just as King County’s previous firearm buyback program led to over 700 firearms voluntarily leaving the streets, a firearm and ammunition return program will give residents a safe, secure, and reliable option to remove these items from their home, and move us forward in our work to prevent all forms of gun violence,” McDermott said.

The legislation requests the executive to assess the feasibility of a permanent program, so that an individual may peaceably deliver and abandon any unwanted firearm or ammunition to any King County Sheriff's Office location.

“We have policies in place for taking in unwanted firearms, but I look forward to working with the King County Council to consider expanding this into a program that will promote community safety throughout King County,” said Sheriff Patti Cole-Tindall.


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King county rolls out battery-electric heavy duty trucks

Battery-electric heavy duty truck for King county solid waste division
Photo courtesy King county

King County became the first organization in the state to roll out a new model of battery-electric heavy-duty trucks manufactured at Kenworth’s assembly plant in Renton, opening a new market for zero-emission fleets.

It will be one of the first Class 8 battery-electric trucks in North America operated by a waste management agency. Along with King County Metro’s progress toward electrifying its bus fleet, King County is a leader in the transition to zero-emission vehicles that reduce air and noise pollution.

“We are once again catalyzing new markets to accelerate the transition to zero-emission fleets, this time with reliable heavy-duty trucks built right here in King County,” said King County Executive Dow Constantine. 
“By leveraging the purchasing power of one of the nation’s largest counties, we are proving to manufacturers that there is strong demand for vehicles that cut greenhouse gas emissions, lower maintenance costs, improve air quality, and reduce noise pollution.”

King County’s Solid Waste Division will use the new zero-emission commercial truck to haul materials from its Enumclaw Recycling and Transfer Station to the Cedar Hills Regional Landfill in Maple Valley. 

The pilot project will provide staff members with operational experience while measuring the performance of the battery-powered tractor-trailer combination for transferring solid waste.




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Edmonds Driftwood Players 11th Annual Festival of Shorts

Join the Edmonds Driftwood Players for their 11th Annual Festival of Shorts, postponed from last season. 

These shows have been selected from submissions from around the globe and have never before been produced for an audience. 

Past winners have later been developed into full-length award winning plays! 

Each performance includes eight short plays that include multiple directors and casts. 

Come to be a part of EDP’s annual festival where the audience votes for a favorite at each performance from among the eight finalists. 

The playwrights submitted scripts with the theme, “What Would You Do?” 

This theme explores ethical dilemmas and decision-making in everyday life, with both the comedic and dramatic consequences of our decisions.

The eight Shorts that will be performed are 
  1. Windfall by James Pfrehm (directed by Jonathan C. Olson), 
  2. Whole New World by Karla M. Sorenson (directed by Martin Mackenzie), 
  3. The Price to Pay by Elena Naskova (directed by Dawn Cornell), 
  4. Seeing the Light by Jeff Dunne (directed by Thomas A. Glass), 
  5. Losing Tucker by Paul Lewis (directed by David F. White), 
  6. Like Jason by Maripat Allen (directed by Eric Bischoff), Why by Chris Widney (directed by Mark Velednitsky), and 
  7. The Good War by Brent Stainer (directed by Laura Crouch).
The design team includes Nancy Johnson (Properties Designer), Brent Stainer and Cami Taliaferro-Barber (Lighting Designers), Daniel Hanlon (Sound Designer), and Melina Boivin and Faye Mattingley (Costume Designers). Katie Soulé and Brian Fletcher are Production Managers, and Diane Jamieson and Sean Morrone are Stage Managers.

WHEN: June 24-July 3, 2022 - Thursdays-Saturdays at 8pm, Sundays at 2pm.

TICKETS: $20 General Adult (19-59); $18 Junior/Senior/Military. Available online or by phone at 425-774-9600. Discounted tickets for groups of 10+ people are also available.

Special thanks to 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 Street, Edmonds.



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Olympic Fly Fishers of Edmonds to hear about Carp on the Fly at June 14 meeting

Photo courtesy WA Dept of Natural Resources
Olympic Fly Fishers of Edmonds meet Tuesday, June 14, 2022, 6-8:30pm. 

The meeting will be held at the Mountlake Terrace Community Senior Center and is open to both members and guests. 23000 Lakeview Dr, Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043

Jim Pankierwicz will speak on “Carp On the Fly” and will discuss settings and types of water to fish, carp behaviors and strategies for catching them on flies. 

For more information on Jim and a brief video please visit our website, olympicflyfishers.com and click on Jim’s name on the calendar.



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Notes from Shoreline council meeting June 6, 2022

Pam Cross, reporter
Shoreline City Council Regular Meeting
June 6, 2022

Notes by Pam Cross

Prior to the 7pm regular meeting, Council held an in-person Special Meeting from 5:30pm to 6:45pm. The purpose of this meeting was to discuss the City Manager recruitment process and candidate profile with Catherine Tuck Parish, Vice President at Raftelis. The City Council has engaged the services of Raftelis to assist the Council in the recruitment of a new City Manager.

Tonight’s Regular meeting was conducted in a hybrid manner with both in-person and virtual options to attend.

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

Flag Salute and Roll Call
All Councilmembers were present. CM McConnell and CM Mork attended via Zoom.

Proclamation
I, Keith Scully, Mayor of the City of Shoreline, on behalf of the Shoreline City Council, do hereby proclaim June 2022 as
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (LGBTQ) PRIDE MONTH.
Through this proclamation, the City of Shoreline affirms its support and acceptance for children, adults, families, and allies of the LGBTQ community.

We have also proclaimed that June 2022 as RideTransit Month and that National Gun Violence Awareness Day took place on the first Friday of June, which was the 3rd.

Approval of the Agenda
Agenda approved by unanimous consent.

Report of the City Manager, Debbie Tarry
Presented by Ms. Tarry

As a show of solidarity, the Progress Pride Flag will fly at Shoreline City Hall for the month of June. And back by popular demand, volunteer fiber artists created colorful tree wraps.


78 years have passed since June 6, 1944 when more that 167,000 allied troops landed at Normandy, France to fight Nazi Germany. We want to acknowledge the veterans who gave their lives and those that continued to fight throughout World War II.


Have your voice heard by taking the Climate Action Plan Survey


The 145th Corridor is a major east-west route the connects South Shoreline and North Seattle neighborhoods to businesses, parks and services. Learn more at the virtual open house.


Be sure to watch the weather forecast before you leave for Saturday’s Walk.


The Shoreline Farmers Market opened for its 11th season last Saturday to a great crowd! Lot of booths and parking at its new location.


Public Reminders
None

Council Reports
CM Ramsdell met with members of the Stay Housed, Stay Healthy Coalition to find out more about the renter protections they are advocating for in Kenmore.

CM Pobee and CM McConnell attended the SeaShore Transportation Forum where they discussed the Lynnwood Link that should be open in 2024 and the E-Line’s lack of redundancy as a way to travel from Shoreline to Seattle.

CM Mork attended the Regional Water Quality meeting where they have been working on a Guiding Set of Principles that will go to the PIC Board (Public Issues Committee) of the Sound Cities Association.

Public Comment

Each speaker allowed 2 minutes. Both in-person and remote attendees have an opportunity to speak. There were 32 written comments at the time this report was prepared.

Action Item 8(a) Ordinance No. 967 – Authorizing the Use of Eminent Domain for Acquisition of Public Park Land
Richard King, Shoreline, VP Richmond Beach Preservation
Jack Malek, Shoreline
Joyce Taibleson, Shoreline
Bryan Chow, Shoreline
Peter Vitaliano, Shoreline, owner of property being discussed
Tom McCormick, Shoreline

Action Item 8(b) Ordinance No. 966 – Amending Shoreline Municipal Code – Deferred Underground Facilities
Jack Malek, Shoreline

Study Item 9(a) Discussion of ShoreLake Arts Funding
Nancy Malek, Shoreline

Study 9(b) Ordinance No. 968 Development within the MUR-70’ Zoning District
Kathleen Russell, Shoreline, Save Shoreline Trees

Gun Violence
Juliet Scarpa, Shoreline, Volunteer for Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America

Planned Sidewalk for 20th Ave NW
Susanne Tsoming, Shoreline
Nancy Morris, Shoreline
Jonelle Kemmerling, Shoreline

Fircrest Property
Janet Way, Shoreline, Shoreline Preservation Society

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

Action Item 8(a) Action on Ordinance No. 967 – Authorizing the Use of Eminent Domain for Acquisition of Certain Real Property identified as King County Tax Parcel No. 727810-0905 for Public Park Land

Presented by Julie Ainsworth-Taylor, Assistant City Attorney

CM McConnell, who has recused herself from discussions regarding this ordinance, has left the meeting.

Council last discussed this on May 23rd with the City Attorney following numerous public comments.


Staff recommends that Council adopt proposed Ordinance No. 967 authorizing the use of eminent domain for this property to expand the City’s park land providing access to the shoreline. Staff will continue to negotiate for a voluntary sale of the property and will return to Council if those negotiations fail prior to filing a petition of eminent domain in the King County Superior Court.

CBRE was retained to prepare a just compensation appraisal, which is difficult because this is tidelands. The appraised value of $110,000 is just a few thousand dollars more the King County Assessor’s appraised value of $107,000.

A title report has been ordered and a property survey will be performed if necessary.

The Railroad will not discuss providing a license for a pathway adjacent to the railroad right-of-way until the City has formalized plans for that pathway to access the property, or at least has a preliminary design.

DISCUSSION

Motion and second to approve Ordinance 967.

We have a responsibility to preserve beachfront access for the public.

This is difficult because I can see both sides of the issue. But I am concerned about public safety. Without legal access, people will go over the railroad tracks.

At this point, the property owner seems reluctant to negotiate. I don’t want to see a lot of resources being spent on this. This is not an urgent issue, when there are lots of other problems and lots of other issues that the City has and that we need to work on. Long term, it makes sense to look into it. I believe tidelands and beach access should belong to the public when it makes sense.

I think more transparency would have been appreciated because a lot of people complained about the lack of notice.

VOTE
Ordinance 967 passes unanimously 6-0 (CM McConnell recused)

Action Item 8(b) Adoption of Ordinance No. 966 – Amending Shoreline Municipal Code Chapter 13.20 to Add a New Section SMC 13.20.060 – Deferred Underground Facilities

Presented by John Norris, Assistant City Manager

Required undergrounding of the electrical utility in the 148th St light rail area has been delayed by Seattle City Light’s (SCL) 5th Avenue Duct Bank Project. In early 2021, SCL informed Sound Transit and the City that it was pushing back the timing of this replacement project as it does not have the capital funding to complete the Duct Bank Project in coordination with the light rail project timeline. SCL estimates a 2027-2030 timeline instead of 2024. As a result, temporary above-ground 3-phase power is required in order to continue with the light rail project as well as private development in the station area.

On May 23, 2022 Council discussed proposed Ordinance No. 966, which provides for a new Section 13.20.060 of the SMC which would allow interim overhead power within a limited area if certain conditions are met. Proposed Section 13.20.060 SMC, titled Deferred Underground Facilities, allows for overhead electrical facilities (utility poles, wires, etc.) on an interim basis if a property owner needing new overhead electricity enters into a Deferred Underground Facilities Agreement (DUFA) with the City. This proposed Code section also codifies requirements for SCL related to the interim overhead electrical facilities.


DISCUSSION

Was there positive feedback related to the timeline?
  • Reply: We continue to meet with SCL so the undergrounding project is now scheduled to be completed by 2027. We are also negotiating what we are calling an “umbrella agreement” with SCL which outlines all of the undergrounding projects and sets the stage for how we are going to partner and work together on these projects. We hope to have a written agreement later this year.
Motion and second to pass Ordinance 966.

One clarifying question regarding covering the operation of the buildings, as well as the construction. Can you comment on that?
  • Reply: This absolutely allows for operational power. The building can be operated/operational, tenants can move in etc and operational power will continue to be served overhead until the Duct Bank Project is complete.
VOTE
Ordinance 966 passes unanimously 7-0

Study Item 9(a) Discussion of ShoreLake Arts Funding Request in Support of an Artspace Market Study for Affordable Artist Housing/Space Project in Shoreline

Mayor Scully disclosed that his wife, Sarah Cohen, is on the Board of ShoreLake Arts.
Deputy Mayor Robertson disclosed that her husband, Darryl Miller, is also on the Board.

Debbie Tarry, City Manager, introduces presenters from ShoreLake Arts:
  • Quinn Elliott, Executive Director
  • Tracey Thorleifson, President of the Board of Directors

ShoreLake Arts engaged Artspace, the national leader in developing space for artists and arts organizations, to do a Preliminary Feasibility study on the potential for an Artspace-type project in Shoreline. The envisioned project would create both a permanent home for ShoreLake Arts and 40 to 75 units of affordable housing for artists. The current waitlist for affordable housing is 1,000 people long (the list is capped at 1,000). Artspace released the final Preliminary Feasibility Report in January 2022.

Artspace retains ownership of its buildings to ensure they remain dedicated to affordable artist housing in perpetuity. Most live/work units serve households earning at or below 60% of the area median income (AMI). 56% of residents have a bachelor’s degree or higher. 18% of residents consider themselves to have a disability and 42% identify as BIPOC. These numbers are higher than the national figures.

The final report found a demand for both an Arts Center to house community arts events and art education programming, affordable artist housing, and that the project should be in Shoreline.

The major findings of the 60+ page report* include:
  1. There’s consensus on the basic project concept.
  2. There are overlapping community goals that align with Artspace’s goals.
  3. There is a definite appetite for space to gather, to collaborate, to perform, and to create in Shoreline.
  4. The political interest and know-how exists in the community.
  5. Funding is going to be the biggest challenge, but there’s a clear path forward through Low Income Housing Tax Credits, other public sources, and philanthropy.
  6. There are site parcels that are large enough for the proposed concept, desirable to artists, and centrally located. These include Ridgecrest Bingo Hall, City Storage Courts, Fircrest, and the Shoreline Park 'n Ride. Further study is required to identify other sites since the first sites identified are usually not the location that is ultimately selected.
*View the Artspace report here

The next required step in the Artspace project includes a market study ($35,000) and project refinement workshop ($12,500). Artspace advised ShoreLake Arts to find funding to begin the Market Study by September 2022. ShoreLake Arts is requesting City funding of $20,000 to $25,000 to help fund the next steps.

DISCUSSION

Thank you for the presentation. It tells us how support for the arts is absolutely needed in the community. During the pandemic, the Arts Industry suffered the most because there were no performances, and artists did not have places to live and work. Your funding request is quite small - where is the rest of the funding coming from?
  • Reply: We will ask the City of Lake Forest Park, we have an individual donor who will deliver some, and we have a request into Amazon. It is unlikely County funds are available until the next round of funding (which will be a great deal more). There are grants that will be available later in the year. Once we’re further along in the process, funding from the State is available for the arts.
I am excited about this project, but I think we should wait until the normal budget cycle when we can look at it holistically with the funding of all the organizations.
  • Reply: We can wait until then if we have all of the other funding.
Why should we wait? I’m not sure I understand how this works (question from a new Councilmember).
  • Reply Julie Ainsworth-Taylor, Assistant City Attorney: City and Counties commonly provide grants for affordable housing and for other public purposes. So it’s defining whether the building of the Arts Society serves a public purpose, and how that benefits the public. But I don’t think this would necessarily be astray of that obligation.
We can’t just build a safe, utilitarian community that is battleship gray and expect it to thrive. It’s so important to have color and to enrich our community with art. I would love to see this project in Shoreline.

Should we return this on Consent?
I don’t think we have a full proposal before us. It is more of a general thought. It’s not a formal request.
  • Reply Debbie Tarry, City Manager: I was going to take the information that I heard tonight and, if I heard support, we would include this in a budget ordinance. We are currently scheduled for a budget ordinance in July. It would come to Council as a Discussion item.
Study Item 9(b) Discussion of Ordinance No. 968 – Amending Chapters 20.30, 20.40, and 20.50 of the Shoreline Municipal Code to Modify Regulations for Development Within the MUR-70’ Zoning District

Presentation by Andrew Bauer, Planning Manager

With several years having passed since City Council adoption of the two light rail station subarea plans and initial development code regulations, opportunities have been identified to refine the MUR-70 zone to better facilitate implementation of the plans. Stemming from the discussion at the October 25, 2021 joint meeting between the City Council and Planning Commission, the Planning Commission has continued work on Development Code amendments that would:
  • Establish provisions to reduce off-street parking requirements up to 50% for developments with 100+ dwelling units or 10,000+sf commercial space, and with approval of a Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Plan. The TDM would be a project specific plan where we look at ways to offset or minimize the overall parking demand on a development as a tool to minimize demand.
  • Revise the process and requirements by which development may achieve the maximum allowable building height of 140 feet by removing the requirement for a Development Agreement. This does not change the maximum height, but how you get to the maximum height.
There are some deleted requirements to achieve Maximum 140’ height:The Development Agreement is now optional.
  • LEED Gold is deleted since the Built Green 4-Star certification, which is roughly equivalent, is required.
  • The requirement that at least 90% of parking be within a structure is proposed to be removed.
  • Purchase of Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) Credits is proposed to be removed because we don’t have a program currently in place.
  • The requirement for the use of district energy or combined heat and power infrastructure is proposed to be removed because it is not feasible on an individual development basis.
This is not a comprehensive analysis of the changes. The purpose of these amendments is refining the MUR-70 Zone and maintaining the core elements of the subarea plan. It can be reviewed in the staff report.

DISCUSSION

There is a change in contribution to parks. The 2% has been reduced to 1%. That concerns me. Can you elaborate?
  • Reply: The existing requirement was adopted in 2015, prior to the adoption of Park Impact Fees in 2017. Park impact fees are now collected per development and are used to fund park acquisitions and improvements throughout the City. These fees are rather redundant.
Will this reduce the total amount for parks, or will it remain about the same?
  • Reply: We can follow up with some numbers but this provision is currently in the code for only those developments using the Development Agreement (DA) Process which is now optional. Since we haven’t had anyone use the DA process, we don’t have an real numbers right now.
You talked about a Neighborhood Meeting as part of this process. We have received a variety of complaints about these meetings from citizens who do not see that their voices are heard. Can you explain how that works? If someone complains at a neighborhood meeting, is the developer required to make any changes?
  • Reply: Generally the neighborhood meeting occurs prior to any formal building permit or development application being filed with the City. And the intent is to provide the opportunity for real input and real change. However, that’s not always going to be the case for everything. So the developer essentially notifies the neighborhood within 500’ of the development site. They then hold a neighborhood meeting at which point they present the proposed development and some of the specifics in terms of what they’re wanting to do. They gather any feedback or input from the people attending that meeting. And from there they provide a kind of written up summary of the neighborhood meeting and the feedback that they heard, and how they’re incorporating or not incorporating into the development proposal the feedback that they heard. Sometimes they are incorporated and sometimes they are not.
Let me restate my question. Under a development agreement, if there is a lot of neighborhood input, are there changes that are required? Or is the neighborhood meeting just a recording of issues?
  • Reply: The primary difference here is the development agreement as currently written is a legislative action so it’s ultimately the City Council’s decision to approve or not approve the development agreement. It’s also important there is a public hearing required prior to action on the development agreement. It’s a little more formal than a neighborhood meeting where you’re gathering public testimony on the proposal.
I appreciate that this question was raised by another Councilmember, but I don’t believe that I received a satisfactory answer. Let me ask it a different way: I am not sure that the neighborhood meeting meets the goal of the neighborhood. What is the goal here from the neighborhood meeting vs some other way that the neighborhood is actually going to be heard, and where their voices will be effectively making some changes, whether the developer wants to do it or has to do it?
  • Reply: I’m hearing concerns that there is a lack of accountability from hearing what the concerns or feedback or input is, and how or is it even incorporated into a development application. Is that the root of the concern here?
Yes. I’m trying to point out what the public’s concerns are.
  • Reply: That’s a big question and I don’t think I can answer that. What I can say though, is that this is following the neighborhood meeting process that we have in place. What it boils down to is are the decisional criteria in which a decision would be rendered on the overarching application. So that’s where we’d be looking at consistency with the Comprehensive Plan, policies, and development code standards.
So there’s enough in the codes to effectively protect the neighborhood from something that is out of line with their expectations? I’m satisfied that you absolutely cannot say for sure. But with what we have in place, it will suffice, more or less. And a good developer will probably take some of those suggestions if they can.

Note: From the City of Shoreline Planning and Community Development posted on shorelinewa.gov :

“The process for early development review begins with the pre-application meeting. The City meets with the applicant to discuss project feasibility. At this point the applicant is provided information on the City’s requirements, including the requirement for conducting the Neighborhood Meeting, the review process and timing.

"The purpose of the Neighborhood Meeting is to provide an opportunity for the applicant to inform the neighborhood about the project early in its planning stages and ensure that the applicant pursue early citizen participation. The idea is to give property owners in the area an opportunity to learn about the proposals that affect them and to try to identify concerns in the early stages of the application process. Accordingly, the issues identified at the meeting may be addressed by the applicant before preparing the formal plans for the application.”

If you want to go to 80’ of height, you have to leave 10% of the significant trees, correct?
  • Reply: Correct.
If you want to go to 90’, do you still need to leave the 10%? Or do you have a choice of either 20% or the Deep Green incentive?
  • Reply: You could do one of the options. You wouldn’t necessarily need to do both.
At 140’, you would not be required to have either leave significant trees or do the Deep Green incentive?
  • Reply: Correct.
So I am concerned that you pulled out of the 140’ anything above the Built Green 4-Star when we have the existential threat of climate change. We need to do something if we’re going to allow that extra height - there should be some environmentally more significant thing that’s part of it. This is my objection and I will oppose as written.

When I think of an MUR-70 project, it’s going to be 4 or 6+ lots. There aren’t going to be a lot of trees that they will be obligated to save, right?
  • Reply: Yes, it’s going to depend on the lot and so forth.
So the percentage might scare us but there might be only 3 trees on any one lot but located in the middle of a project so they’ll probably have to go. We need to try to save the perimeter trees if we can. So the percentage isn’t as meaningful to me.
  • Reply: Correct. It would be a percentage of the existing significant trees and also that provision is existing currently, and we’re not proposing that it change or be removed. We highlighted that in the report just to show the different ways in which someone could go above the 70’ base height.
One of our concerns in the past was how do we provide some kind of certainty to developers. They are coming in, looking at the code and trying to figure what they can build here in MUR-70 without having to get their lawyers involved to try to figure out what does this really mean. So this was a way to increase certainty for everybody.

Can you explain the process of the Administrative Design Review? How does that work and what is the expected timetable?
  • Reply: This is an administrative design decision, a director’s decision made at the staff level. It’s more streamlined than having a Public Hearing. The application comes first before any permit or development application. The main tool that we currently use is from the adopted design standards so this is an existing process that we use that developers are familiar with. There are minor things like the depth of the awning to facade modulation to materials or things of that nature. The timeline depends on the volume of applications and work in review at any given point in time. Generally I think it’s between 8-12 weeks from the application submission to the first review letter.
So we’re talking about 8-12 weeks to the first letter but this is before the actual development is submitted, correct? Then there’s another timeline. Correct?
  • Reply: correct.
So that might be another 8-12 weeks. Right?
  • Reply: That’s fair to say.
I think this makes sense, but my concern is that there’s no expectation in the code that the Administrative Review will be done within a certain timeframe. If the goal is to get projects in, and time equals money, then we’re building a process with an indeterminate time frame even before permits can be submitted. I’m concerned that there’s no expectation built in that this process will not take an indefinite amount of time.

Looking at the code 11c and 11e. 11e is regarding subarea improvements but there’s no reference to costs or anything. It just says the developer “shall provide these.” There’s no percentage or cap of costs, and it’s hard to see in the code that you’re going to provide these improvements. I mean these are good things but without a limit? Similarly with 11c, providing spaces to the public, but there’s no description or delineation of how much space. I don’t understand what we’re asking from a developer.

Why are we offering 50% parking reduction only for 100+ residential units or 10,000 square feet commercial space? Why isn’t this standardized for all in MUR-70? Why isn’t it good for all development there?
  • Reply: 50% reduction makes a bigger impact to the developer of a larger building. But we can look at other potential options.
What happens if this doesn’t work? If there’s a lot of spillover into surrounding streets? How do we enforce this?
  • Reply: It’s at the City’s request that the development would need to provide utilization data, and a check-in of how the plan is performing. At that point in time we could have more of a conversation with the development of how to possibly adapt and change some of what they’re doing.
Realistically, waiting for the City to request that plan - when are we actually going to do that? Overflow parking is a real concern of the neighborhoods when we talk about parking reductions.
  • Reply: The City’s Public Works Dept. has been collecting the on-street parking utilization in the station areas so that could be one mechanism to trigger that conversation.
I’d like to see something about vehicle loading zones so we don’t have delivery trucks double-parked, or worse yet, parked in bike lanes.

Could you provide a couple of examples of “ground floor amenities?”
  • Reply: Either a cafe or a restaurant, some types of non-profit office space, or community space that could be rented for a meeting.
Not just something for the building residents?
  • Reply: Correct.
What’s the advantage of taking TDR out? (Transfer of Development Rights)
  • Reply: Right now we’re in this kind of limbo area where we don’t have a formal program and so should someone want to do it before we adopt it, we wouldn’t be set up to utilize it.
Are we going to continue to develop that program and reinsert it at some point? I would like to see it remaining.
  • Reply: That’s an option or it could be sort of a standalone program.
Another thing: we’re not building around courtyards or places where people want to be. We’re building “hallways.” We’re not building things that look into each other - there’s something about current codes (not just in Shoreline) where it is efficient to build blocks but I think we should be building courtyards - I think that’s what people want; that’s what people need. I don’t think our code gets there. Of course, that’s not before us right now. But it’s not just about number of units - it’s about the quality and the quality of life in those units. I think we can do better.
  • Reply: We are trying to strike a balance with what’s currently in the code. We can look into all of these things.
Should this come back as an Action Item?
  • Reply Debbie Tarry: If so, Councilmembers need to submit any potential amendments by Friday, June 10.
This will come back as an Action Item on June 27.

Meeting adjourned.



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