Seattle-King County Public Health department closes Zeek's Pizza in Kenmore

Saturday, January 6, 2024

Zeek's Pizza
Photo from Google street vi
Zeek's Pizza at 18115 68th Ave NE, Kenmore, WA 98028 was closed on January 5, 2024 by Public Health of Seattle & King County.

Reasons: Imminent health hazard: Operating without hot water available.

The Food Establishment closures page is online


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Jobs: City of Mountlake Terrace Senior Engineer

City of Mountlake Terrace
Senior Engineer
Status Open
Category Full-Time Employment Opportunities
Salary Annual salary range: $119,912 - $147,403
Published Jan 04, 2024

The focus of this position is the engineering review of plans and related documents for private and public development projects, researching and applying engineering principles for planning, designing, and managing public works construction projects (street, water, sewer, and stormwater improvements), and monitoring of those projects to uphold the City vision and goals and ensure that professional engineering services are supplied to the community. 

This position coordinates extensively with engineering and utilities staff in the Public Works Department, as well as planning, building, and permitting staff in the Community Development Department.

This is a non-union position that is exempt from overtime.

For more information see attached file(s) in the job details box.

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Gloria's Birds: True, I'm not between a rock and a hard place, photog,

 
Photo copyright Gloria Z. Nagler

but still I feel hemmed in, said Beatrice.
(Bewick's Wrens are here year 'round, for which I'm grateful.)

--Gloria Z. Nagler

 

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Link light rail passengers need to prepare for Link service disruptions from January 13 to February 4

Link Light Rail photo courtesy Sound Transit
Link light rail passengers should prepare for three weeks of disruptions starting Saturday, January 13, 2024 as Sound Transit undertakes several projects to improve service.

Starting Saturday, January 13, through the end of service on Sunday, February 4:
  • On weekdays, 1 Line trains will run only every 26 minutes between Northgate and Angle Lake. Additional weekday trains will run between Northgate–University of Washington, and between Stadium–Angle Lake, for combined service every 13 minutes in these areas.
  • On weekends during this period, trains will run every 15 minutes between Northgate–Capitol Hill and between SODO–Angle Lake. Bus shuttles every 10-15 minutes will replace trains between Capitol Hill–SODO and serve all closed stations.
During weekdays, passengers who board at stations outside of Capitol Hill or downtown Seattle will need to stay alert to which train they choose. Half of the trains will serve all stations along the 1 Line, while the other half will terminate at either University of Washington or Stadium stations. 

If your destination is downtown or Capitol Hill, you may wait for the full-service train, or ride the additional service train to UW or Stadium stations, and then wait 13 minutes to transfer to the next train that goes all the way through.

The work is essential to improve the state of the system and prepare for the growth that is coming later this year and beyond. By scheduling these projects during the time of year when ridership is at its lowest, the hope is to limit impact on riders. Staff will be at stations throughout the disruption to answer questions and help passengers get to their destinations.

Making necessary repairs

The four downtown Seattle stations — Westlake, University Street, Pioneer Square, and Int’l Dist./Chinatown — are nearly 20 years older than the Link system itself. 

They opened for bus operations in 1990, and they were built to accommodate both buses and trains at the same time. This legacy of bus operations required design decisions that continue to make repairs to these stations much more disruptive than our more recently built stations.

For example, because buses and trains ran together in the tunnel between 2009 and 2019, Sound Transit embedded the rails into the tunnel roadway, rather than on top, as they are in all our other tunnel stations. As a result, replacing any rails in those stations requires substantial demolition and rebuilding work.

During this disruption, they will be completing two major projects at the same time: They will replace 500 feet of northbound track between University Street and Westlake at the sharpest curve in the entire Link system. These rails are worn and have made for a bumpy ride for passengers for years. Without replacement, the worn rails will eventually become a safety hazard.

They will replace 58 “bond boxes,” which provide signal connections to the tracks. All of these are located in between the rails. These bond boxes were progressively damaged by buses between 2009 and 2019, leading to occasional signal failures and train delays. Replacing the bond boxes requires that no trains run through those sections until replacement is complete.

Besides providing staff ambassadors at stations during the disruption period to assist passengers, Sound Transit has a webpage dedicated to the upcoming service disruption, which includes station-specific information. The agency has also published tips for riders as they prepare for the upcoming disruption.

Passengers can access PDFs of train schedules for this period on line.

Through the service disruption, the agency will continue to provide additional information to passengers to help them navigate the changes to their ride.


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Youth softball specialty clinics at Shoreline Community College

Six specialized softball clinics to choose from! 

Young players will learn from expert Shoreline CC coaches on campus on January 13 and 20, 2024.  16101 Greenwood Ave N, Shoreline WA 98133



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Cannabis dispensary investigation in Lake Forest Park

Photo from Google maps
On January 5, 2024, LFPPD officers rapidly responded to a burglary alarm at the Mr. Greens Cannabis Dispensary, located at 15029 Bothell Way NE in Lake Forest Park.

Upon arrival, officers found an abandoned Kia sedan next to the business that had been used to ram a hole in the side of the business.

With the assistance of an Edmonds PD K-9 team and assisting officers from Bothell PD, the building was checked and cleared.

The suspects had left prior to the officers’ arrival. An unknown quantity of product was stolen from the business.

The abandoned Kia sedan was found to be an unreported, stolen vehicle from Kirkland. The crime scene was processed with the assistance of King County AFIS.

The investigation is continuing, and the department is developing information as to how many suspects and possible additional vehicles were involved.

The Lake Forest Park Police Department is a state accredited police agency serving the citizens of the city of Lake Forest Park in King County, Washington. It is a partner agency in the Coalition of Small Police Agencies (CSPA) of King County.


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Consider volunteering for the Seattle King County Clinic Thursday, February 15 – Sunday, February 18, 2024

Friday, January 5, 2024

By Doug Cerretti

Consider volunteering for the Seattle King County Clinic Thursday, February 15 – Sunday, February 18, 2024

Seattle/King County Clinic (SKCC) brings together healthcare organizations, civic agencies, non-profits, private businesses and volunteers from across the State of Washington to produce a giant free health clinic at Seattle Center, February 15 – February 18, 2024.

February's Clinic is fast approaching, and SKCC has multiple areas that are not fully staffed. The number of patients the clinic can see are directly dependent on how many volunteers we can gather. 

Expertise in medical, dental and vision care is a plus but not required as there are many volunteer positions in General Support that only require your willingness to help or at most some computer skills or a second language. 


Can you or someone you know sign up in any of these roles? Volunteering for SKCC is a very rewarding experience. Spread the word and be one of approximately 4000 volunteers to treat over 3000 patients at: seattlecenter.org/volunteers.

Between 2014 and 2023, 27,000+ volunteers helped to provide more than $23 million in care to 27,000 patients.

The Clinic is a major function of the Seattle Center Foundation and is held at Seattle Center, 305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109. 

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Help plan the future of Shoreline by serving on the Shoreline Planning Commission

Photo by Jason Goodman on unsplash.com

UPDATE: Application deadline extended to January 19.

The Shoreline City Council is looking for volunteers to serve on the Planning Commission for four-year terms beginning in April 2024. 

The volunteers who serve on the Shoreline Planning Commission provide recommendations to the City Council on land use, growth, and development issues.

The Commission addresses key questions that affect the quality of life in Shoreline, such as: 
  • How should we balance new commercial and residential development with the desire to maintain the character of existing neighborhoods? 
  • How do we plan for a future that includes light rail? 
  • How can we encourage developers to use green building practices and provide affordable housing? 
  • How will the City allow alternate housing types that fit within our established neighborhoods?
No technical background or experience in land use is required. 

Important qualifications are an ability to listen and work well with others; a willingness to prepare and read staff reports prior to the meetings; and a commitment to regular attendance and active participation at the meetings. 

Candidates must live or own property in Shoreline. The City compensates Commissioners for their time.

Application details
  • If you are interested in applying, fill out a Community Service Application
  • You can also pick up a copy from City Hall. 
  • Submit your application by email to clk@shorelinewa.gov 
  • or mail it to:
    • City of Shoreline, City Clerk
    • 17500 Midvale Avenue N
    • Shoreline, WA 98133
  • You can also drop it off in person at the City Clerk’s Office on the first floor of City Hall. 
Applications are due by 5:00pm on Friday, January 19, 2024.

More information:

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Rotary Sharing Tree 2023 was a huge success

LFP Rotary Leaders at the Sharing Tree
Photo courtesy LFP Rotary

Thanks to Lake Forest Park Rotary and the community for the power of giving, the Rotary Sharing Tree and its volunteers stationed in Town Center at Lake Forest Park generated $5,140 for local charities and that doesn’t account for all the donated toys !!!

Center for Human Services Mission Statement
Photo courtesy LFP Rotary

North Helpline received $1,325 cash value in gift cards. The Center for Human Services received $3,815 in gift cards.

Approximately 125 families were served in the Shoreline / Lake Forest Park community. 45 households received gift cards to get them through the holiday and beyond. 300 children received toys from the Rotary sharing tree.

The Sharing Tree is an annual project of the Rotary Club of Lake Forest Park.


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Molbak's is closing in January - going out of business sale on now

Photo courtesy Molbak's
By Diane Hettrick

Molbak's Garden + Home will be going out of business this month after over 65 years in Woodinville.

Green Partners / Cascade had an ambitious plan to create a 'Garden Center' in the heart of Woodinville with Molbak's Garden + Home as the centerpiece. 

To that end, Green Partners bought the Molbak's property and allowed them to stay, rent-free, pending demolition and construction.

Now Green Partners / Cascade has determined that the project doesn't pencil out and is abandoning the project altogether. 

The City of Woodinville urged the two entities to negotiate but said they had limited avenues to influence the outcome.

Molbak's has chosen to go out of business immediately. The Seattle Times reports that their last day open will be January 28, 2024.

Molbak's is running a going out of business sale. The family owned garden store has been in business since 1956 when Egon and Laina Molbak arrived in rural Woodinville from Denmark, bringing with them a passion for gardening, and a dream of creating their own business that took root and grew.



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Yuletide Camellia is right on time

Camellia sasanqua 'Yuletide'
Photo by Lee Lageschulte
In the January 4th edition I published Lee Lageschulte's photo of a camellia and wondered if it was supposed to be blooming now.

Gardening experts checked in and the answer is "Yes."

Sara Camaresi, who tends Shoreline Park, said it is the Camellia sasanqua 'Yuletide' and "as the name indicates, it's right on time."

Garden Guy Bruce Bennett agreed and added "It is a very nice plant and self-cleans its spent flowers unlike the larger S. japonica which lets the old flowers just rot on the shrub."

We need more of this variety to brighten overcast January days.

--Diane Hettrick


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Live fire training continues on Thursday, January 11, 2024

Training burn last year
Photo courtesy Shoreline Fire

Shoreline Fire will conduct live fire training on Thursday, January 11, 2024 at 309 NE 155th St, Shoreline WA 98155.

The fire department looks for every opportunity to train on live fires and welcomes the ability to set and put out fires in buildings that are scheduled for demolition.

They previously conducted training on Thursday, January 4th at 301 NE 155th St.

If you know of a building, either residential or commercial, contact Shoreline Fire PIO Michelle Pidduck


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King Conservation District (KCD) candidates announced for seat on 2024 Board of Supervisors

King Conservation District (KCD) is holding an election for Seat #1 on the Board of Supervisors. 

Voting begins January 23, 2024 and ends February 13, 2024.

King Conservation District includes all registered voters in King County (excluding the cities of Enumclaw, Federal Way, Milton, Pacific, and Skykomish that do not participate in the district).

KCD provides technical assistance to private residents in forest management, farm conservation planning, wildfire preparedness, and streamside and shoreline enhancement. They also work with cities and other organizations to support community gardens, urban forest canopy, and local food systems.

The following individuals are running for Position #1 (alphabetical by last name):

Visit King County Election Information Page to review candidates and learn more about the Board Supervisor Election.

You will be able to access your ballot through the online portal January 23, 2024 at 8:00am through February 13, 2024 at 8:00pm.

Two of KCD’s Board Seats are appointed by the Washington State Conservation Commission. Seat #4 is up for appointment in 2024. The window for applications for the appointed seat is January 1, 2024 through March 31, 2024. 

If you are interested in applying for the appointed state position, visit www.scc.wa.gov/elections-and-appointments.


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Aren't these spring flowers?

Thursday, January 4, 2024

 
Photo by Lee Lageschulte

Lee Lageschulte photographed this beauty on New Year's Day January 1, 2024, in Edmonds. I think they look like camellias and that they are either blooming way too early or way too late.

Have you ever noticed that when the Seattle TV stations show photos of downtown, it looks like the cameras are broadcasting in black & white?

It's nice to have a bright spot of color whether it's out of season or not.

--Diane Hettrick


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Acoya Richmond Beach - zoning, public comment, SEPA review, city codes

 An early conceptual design of the project. This is looking northeast from 8th Ave NW, with the Shell gas station being to the right of the proposed building.

Urbal Architecture filed a permit application and optional SEPA with the City of Shoreline on December 19, 2023 to demolish an abandoned bank building and construct an assisted living facility at 8th NW and Richmond Beach Road in Shoreline WA 98177.

The zoning at this property (Community Business “CB”) allows for assisted living facilities, senior living, and memory care uses, which is what the applicant proposes. 

Per the City’s code, a Building Permit (a Type A application) would not typically require public notices. However, larger projects (such as this one) require SEPA Request for Comment notices because the project proposes more than 60 dwelling units.

SEPA reviews are essentially an extra layer of notices and reviews related to potential environmental impacts on top of the City’s regular review for compliance with the municipal code. 

This SEPA review is where staff look to public comments and the applicant’s SEPA Environmental Checklist to see if there are potential impacts, and if there are extra conditions the City might add to address those impacts, or require an Environmental Impact Study (EIS), or deny the proposal.

Public comment periods are set by the City’s code in SMC 20.30. In this case, a notice is sent at the time of application (now, early on in the review process) and again when a Threshold Determination has been made about whether an EIS is required or not.

No Threshold Determination has been made at this time, nor have any permits been approved

Building Permits, even those with SEPA reviews, do not have any public meeting or public hearing requirements. Public notices went out on December 19 and included the following:
  • Mailing a notice to all property owners within 500’ of the subject property
  • Having the applicant post two signs on the property, one along 8th and another along Richmond Beach Rd.
  • Publication of a notice in the classifieds of the Seattle Times
  • Posted online to the City’s website
  • Emailed to neighborhood contacts for Richmond Beach, Hillwood, Innis Arden and Richmond Highlands neighborhoods
  • Posted to SEPA Registry website
  • Emailed to SEPA officials

The Richmond Village Shopping Center (also known as “The Shops at Richmond Beach”) property is zoned CB, like most of the commercial areas in the City of Shoreline. This zone allows for apartments, assisted living facilities, and several types of commercial uses. 

Commercial and multifamily developments (like this one) are required to meet the City’s design standards for such buildings, as well as parking, landscaping, drainage, and transportation requirements. 

The maximum height is 60 feet, though the applicant is using the City’s Deep Green Incentive Program (an incentive program for sustainable buildings) to go up to a maximum of 80’. 

However, near the western property line (fronting 8th Avenue Northwest) they are required to “step” the building down in height to 45’ because of single-family zoning across the street.

The City’s code requires 1 parking stall for every 3 units in the assisted living facility. The applicant is proposing 207 assisted living units and 23 memory care units for a total of 230 units, which would require 77 parking stalls by the City’s code. They are providing 132 parking stalls, approximately 5 surface stalls at their front entrance, and the remaining stalls in an underground parking garage.

The developer and property owner have not applied for the permits to make alterations or demolitions to the shopping center at this time, although the developer shows that portions of it will be removed as a part of their plans for the assisted living facility. Based on the plans provided, it looks like the property owner and applicant intend for the dry cleaners to stay, but they wish to demolish or remove the commercial spaces west of there.

While the City recently approved ground-floor commercial requirements for multifamily projects in the CB zone district, it does not apply to assisted living facilities. Further, this project came in prior to the December 4 code change and wouldn’t be subject to these new requirements, even if they did apply to assisted living facilities. 

Unfortunately, the code does not require the applicant to retain or provide commercial space here. This decision is largely up to the property owner, developer and applicant, though staff is certainly exploring how the loss of commercial space relates to environmental impacts reviewed under SEPA.

The City will review traffic and transportation impacts of the proposal, as well as other engineering-related items such as drainage and surface water. The developer will be required to make improvements along 8th Ave NW next to their property.


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SEPA: The Washington State Environmental Policy Act

What is SEPA?

The Washington State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) provides a way to identify possible environmental impacts that may result from governmental decisions.

From raising chickens in your yard to the City’s comprehensive plan, private projects, constructing public facilities, or adopting regulations, policies or plans, an acceptable SEPA report is generally required.

When a proposal is under environmental review, the public, community and business groups, local and tribal governments, state agencies, and other entities with expertise can review and comment on SEPA documents.

Under the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), reviewers have the opportunity to examine the environmental analysis done for a proposal and weigh in before agencies make any final permitting decisions.

During the review period, the general focus will be determining whether the SEPA documents address the following questions:
  • Are the SEPA documents complete and accurate?
  • Do they provide enough information to analyze likely environmental impacts?
  • Do they identify mitigation measures to avoid adverse impacts?
  • Is the evaluation and Determination of Significance supported by findings and conclusions?
  • Are there alternatives that address the proposal’s purpose and need?

It is more effective to comment during SEPA review than waiting until the permitting process starts. This will help the applicant and lead SEPA agency develop a more environmentally-sound project. 

Reviewing and commenting on SEPA documents provides the opportunity to:
  • Identify and resolve concerns early in the review process.
  • Identify required permits, applicable regulations, and permit conditions likely to be required.

Failure to comment during the SEPA process can limit future comments as well as an agency's ability to appeal a proposal, or use SEPA supplemental authority to condition or deny a permit-based environmental impacts.
 
Although some lead agencies consider late comments, most will not. Every effort should be made to submit comments while the comment period is open.


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Free Humanities Washington program “That Ribbon of Highway: Guthrie in the Pacific Northwest” with Joel Underwood

Joel Underwood
“That Ribbon of Highway: Guthrie in the Pacific Northwest” with Joel Underwood of the 2024-2025 Humanities Washington Speakers Bureau. 

Free program from Humanities Washington hosted by Sno-King School Retirees in-person on Thursday, February 15, 2024. 

Doors open at Noon for Meet and Greet and a brief meeting. Program begins about 1pm in the Board Room of Edmonds School District ESC, 20420 68th Ave W, Lynnwood WA 98036

Open to the general public. Come to enjoy hearing narrative about Woody Guthrie and songs about his time and work in the Northwest along the Columbia River and touring the Grand Coulee Dam Project in 1941.

About the talk

In 1941, folksinger and activist Woody Guthrie composed 26 songs in 30 days while riding along the Columbia River and touring the Grand Coulee Dam Project. 

His songs and his unique, authentic voice chronicled both the grandeur and the perils of what he called “The Greatest Thing That Man Has Ever Done” as an employee of the Bonneville Power Administration. 

His time here in the Pacific Northwest inspired a swell of patriotism that led Guthrie to enlist in the U.S. Merchant Marines in World War II. After his time with the Merchant Marines, he returned home to fame and notoriety, but also tragedy and great personal loss.

Joel Underwood blends his talents, skills and experience to perform a program that is part concert, part theatrical drama, and part lecture. Audience members will sing along to “Roll on Columbia,” “Pastures of Plenty,” and the ever popular “This Land is Your Land,” and learn of the sometime tragic stories behind the songs.

As a teacher, folksinger, historian and actor, Joel Underwood began his career with 25 years teaching high school history. This led to his drive to get his master’s degree in American History with a focus on folk and protest music. 

He received a Woody Guthrie Fellowship and was granted access to the Woody Guthrie Archives in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he researched Woody’s time in the World War II Merchant Marines. He continues to tour as a musician, both solo and with his daughter. 

He is a local state resident living in Olympia and clearly has an affinity for the Washington State and its unique history.

Humanities Washington is a statewide nonprofit whose mission is to spark conversation and critical thinking using story as a catalyst, nurturing thoughtful and engaged communities across our state.


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Parenting your Trans Youth workshop January 27, 2024

A Shoreline church in collaboration with PFLAG Seattle will host a workshop for parents of transgender youth on Saturday, January 27, 2024 from 3:00 to 4:30pm. 

To register and receive the event location, visit bit.ly/parentingyourtransyouth


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Jobs: WSDOT IT System Administrator - Journey

WSDOT
IT System Administrator - Journey
Shoreline, WA – Headquarters
$87,431 – $117,583 Annually

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is currently seeking a skilled professional to serve as a journey-level IT System Administrator in Shoreline, WA. 

This technician will provide systems administration and cybersecurity guidance to improve systems and infrastructure security in alignment with WSDOT Infrastructure Services and with WSDOT Cybersecurity in the Northwest Region (NWR). In this role, you will apply advanced technical knowledge on a wide range of principles to implement the cybersecurity program to remediate risks and vulnerabilities, and to develop, implement, and manage strategies to address risk and vulnerabilities. 

The System Administrator will be involved in hands-on security assessments, developing, and providing guidance and standards, leading remediation, and mitigating efforts, devising methods and processes to analyze problems, and advocating security best practices for assets including computers, networks, programs, cloud resources and data. 

The successful candidate will play a key role in securing information systems and will demonstrate a proactive and responsive capacity to maintain the security of WSDOT IT and Operational Technology (OT) assets, processes, technology, and maintain a working knowledge of all related systems.

Job description and application


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Live fire training Thursday in the 300 block of NE 155th St in Shoreline

Shoreline Fire will be training Thursday, January 4, 2024 on live fire, practicing on a building to be demolished in the 300 block of NE 155th St, Shoreline WA 98155.

They are always looking for properties they can train on. Do you have a building you want to donate before tearing it down?

We have been fortunate to have multiple buildings donated over the past few couple of years. Typically they are a limited time opportunity so we are always looking for more.


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North City Neighborhood Association meets Thursday, January 11, 2024

North City Neighborhood Association meets Thursday, January 11, 2024 from 7pm - 9pm at Monka Brewing, 17211 15th Ave NE, Shoreline WA 98155

Getting back to our monthly meetups in 2024! 

Having a monthly event has been a great way to get away from our screens and meet neighbors in person. 

North City is a rapidly changing neighborhood and the best way to feel connected is to know and talk to other people that live here. There is always lively discussion about our neighborhood and the city of Shoreline.

Note: Guests are responsible for their own beverage tabs. Monka Brewing does not serve food, but you are welcome to bring your own or from another restaurant. All ages are welcome and alcohol-free beverages are also served.


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Shoreline City Council meeting Monday, January 8, 2023 - oath of office for new councilmember terms; moratorium on transit bus bases

Shoreline City Hall
Photo courtesy City of Shoreline
The Shoreline City Council Regular Meeting on Monday, January 8, 2024 will be held at 7:00pm in the Council Chamber using a hybrid format where both in-person and online attendance is allowed. 

You may attend the meeting in person, join via Zoom webinar, or listen to the meeting over the telephone. 

Council is providing opportunities for public comment in person, remotely, or by submitting written comment. 

In person public commenters must sign up in person prior to the start of public comment (around 7:15pm), and remote public commenters must sign-up online by 6:30pm the night of the meeting. 

Please see information listed below to access the meeting remotely:
Oath of Office and Election of Mayor and Deputy Mayor
  • At tonight’s meeting there will be an Oath of Office Ceremony for the newly elected Councilmembers: Council Position No. 2 Keith Scully, No. 4 Annette Ademasu, and No. 6 Betsy Robertson.
  • This will be followed by election of Mayor and Deputy Mayor by the new Council.

Items on the Consent Calendar include:
  • Authorize the City Manager to execute a Trail Lease Agreement with WSDOT for the 148th St. Non-Motorized Bridge Project (required to in order to use the space over I-5). No additional funding required.
  • Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Purchase Order with SHI (SHI International Corp) in the Amount of $275,225.09 to Procure Replacement Network Infrastructure for Shoreline City Hall. Most of the City’s computer network infrastructure at City Hall has been in place for five or more years. This includes the core firewalls, switches, and wireless access points. The lifespan of most core infrastructure is five to six years.
  • Authorize the City Manager to Enter into an Interagency Agreement with the Washington State Department of Commerce and to Accept $50,000 in Grant Funding to Prepare a Development Code Compliant with Washington State House Bill 1110 Adding Middle Housing Development Types in Zones Which Currently Only Allow Single-Family Development. The grant funds will be used to fund consultant tasks specific for middle housing such as evaluating compliance options detailed in HB 1110, public engagement on the topic of middle housing, and draft and final middle housing regulations.
What is the Consent Calendar?

*To expedite meetings and reserve time for matters that need to be discussed, many local agencies have a section on their agendas labeled as the “consent calendar.” Items on the consent calendar are generally non-controversial items that do not require much, if any, discussion. 

Or they are items which have been studied and discussed and a consensus reached at previous meetings and all that is left is the formality of voting them through.

The consent calendar allows decision-makers to group such items together under one heading and vote them through in one action.

Any councilmember can ask for an item to be removed from the consent calendar for separate discussion. This enables the item to be considered and voted upon separately if discussion is needed or if a Councilmember needs to not vote on that item because of a disqualifying conflict of interest.

*Institute for Local Government

There is one Action Item and one Study Item on the Agenda.

Action Item: Public Hearing and Action on Ordinance No. 1004 - Extending the Moratorium on Transit Bus Bases and Individual Transportation and Taxi Facilities for 30 Days

City staff have developed permanent code amendments which were reviewed by the Planning Commission in the fall of 2023 and discussed by City Council on December 11, 2023. The permanent code amendments were tentatively scheduled for action at tonight’s meeting. However, staff requests that potential action on the permanent regulations be taken on January 22, 2024, and that the emergency moratorium be extended for 30 days via Ordinance No. 1004 tonight.

Note that tonight’s action has to do with the extension. This will allow additional time for public comment on the permanent code amendments scheduled to be adopted on January 22.

Study Item: Discussion of the Human Services Strategic Plan

The City has provided funding for human services that serve Shoreline residents since 1996, shortly after the City’s incorporation. As the City grew, components of the Human Services program have been modified and shifted along with our changing community. A Human Services Strategic Plan will allow the City to review City programs, policies, staffing and best practices to make recommendations that will guide the work of the City. No action is required tonight. Staff are scheduled to return to Council at their February 26, 2024 Council meeting to present draft recommendations for further review and discussion.

--Pam Cross


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Scene on the Sound: Humen Bridge

Tuesday, January 2, 2024

Photo by Jan Hansen

I saw this ship come sailing in, the Humen Bridge with its cargo. 

One letter changes it to a metaphor of hope: 
a Human Bridge in the sea of life.

--Jan Hansen


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Registration opens for the 2024 Lunar New Year 5K in Shoreline


The International Community Health Services Foundation has opened registration for the 2024 Lunar New Year 5K. This beloved family-friendly charity race will take place on Sunday February 25, 2024 in Shoreline, WA.

Lunar New Year 5K registration is open to all ages. All donations and race proceeds fund health services for uninsured or low-income ICHS patients who would otherwise not be able to afford them.

“By registering you’re doing more than committing to a healthy start of the Lunar New Year,” says Alice Braverman, ICHS Foundation Executive Director. 
“You’re championing the cause of health access for all. Your registration will go directly to helping families pay for essential medical and dental services.”

Participants will run along the Interurban Trail — a paved pedestrian-only course that skirts the ICHS Shoreline Medical & Dental Clinic on Aurora Ave N. Participants may run or walk the course. The race will be professionally chip-timed for runners, as well as safely marked for walkers and families of all abilities.

Other than the race itself, the 2024 Lunar New Year 5k will also feature community organizations and other engagement opportunities that will be tabling at Aurora Rents throughout the event.

2023 Lunar New Year 5K participants not fazed by snow
Photo by John Pai

Since 2016, the Lunar New Year 5K has been a Seattle-region tradition involving the community through fitness, fun, and philanthropy. 

In continuation of the lessons and changes made during the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2024 Lunar New Year 5K will also have a virtual participation option for those who want to participate by running their own 5K course of their choosing.

Registration is $40 with an early bird discounted price of $35 ending January 25, 2024. 

Attendees under 10 or 65 and older can participate for free. 

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Cartoon by Whitney Potter: Web designer





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Houseplants 101 at Dunn Gardens January 10, 2024

Houseplants 101
Wednesday January 10, 2024
10am-noon
Pricing: 
  • Members $15, 
  • Not-Yet-Members $25
Register here

This class will teach everything you need to know to successfully grow tropical plants indoors in the PNW. 

In this 1.5 hour course we will discuss plant selection; household light zones; proper watering methods; soils and fertilizers; and pests and diseases.

Following the class, attendees will have the knowledge necessary to walk into a well-stocked nursery, select a healthy plant that is suitable for their home, and to re-pot and raise that plant to maturity. 

A selection of tropical plants will also be available for purchase following the class.

A little bit about the instructor: 

Ben Billick is the owner of Bird Berry Nursery in Seattle, WA. 

Bird Berry is a small-scale, local grower of tropical plants that specializes in Hoyas, a diverse genus of mostly vining epiphytes that are native to SE Asia and the Pacific Islands. Ben has degrees in Biology and Environmental Horticulture, and is an avid gardener in addition to being crazy for tropical plants.


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Medical Services Officer Richard Stapf retires from Shoreline Fire after a 32 year career

Medical Services Officer Richard Stapf
Medical Services Officer Richard Stapf worked his last shift of a 32-year career. 

Rich entered the fire service in 1989 as a firefighter with Snohomish County Airport Fire Department. In December 1991, he was hired as a full-time firefighter with Shoreline Fire Department. 

Four years later, Rich attended the University of Washington’s Paramedic Training Program and graduated in 1996 from Class 22. 

In January 2002, Rich was promoted to Captain-Medical Services Officer for Shoreline Medic One where he currently serves. 

Rich has also served on the Board of Commissioners for the Port Townsend Fire Department. 

We wish him all the best with his much-deserved retirement! Thank you for your service to our community!


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The Art of Death: Preparing the Way for Those We Leave Behind

Graphic courtesy St. Dunstan's
The Art of Death: Preparing the Way for Those We Leave Behind
Sunday January 7, 2024 -11:45am to 1:00pm

Since we do not know the hour of our death or the manner in which it comes, preparing the way for those left behind is relevant to every adult, not just aging baby boomers. 

The loved ones we leave behind deserve our consideration and attention. When you die, it is left to others to sort out your affairs. After your death, they will be in mourning, sad, angry, confused, and not at their thinking best. 

The better you plan before your death and the more conversations you have with them, the easier it will be for them. 

Grieving is hard enough without the added burden of making decisions and following up on things that were best done by the person who died.

As the one left behind, what do you wish you had known before your person died? What could they have done that would have made their absence more bearable? That would have made “getting on with it” easier?

Join us on Sunday at 11:45am as we begin to have conversations about The Art of Death: Preparing the way for those we leave behind. Share your stories of having loved ones die and how things went, whether good or not.

St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church, 722 N 145th St, Shoreline WA 98133


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Firefighter/Paramedic Steve Richardson retires after 20 with Shoreline Fire

Retired: Firefighter/Paramedic Steve Richardson
Congratulations to Firefighter/Paramedic Steve Richardson who just worked his last shift! 

Steve began his career as a Paramedic with Evergreen Medic One in 1996 after graduating from the University of Washington’s Paramedic Training Program Class #22. 

In January 2003, Steve was hired with Shoreline Fire Department where he has served as a Firefighter/Paramedic with Shoreline Medic One for the last 20 years. 

We will miss Steve’s vast knowledge of rom-coms and Pokemon cards. Thank you for your service to our community and the Department.


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Lemmings jump into the sea - no, sorry - Polar Bears jump - no, not them - Edmonds residents freeze by the hundreds

January 1st, usually the dead of winter, is when normally sane adults remove most of their clothing and plunge into the icy waters of Puget Sound.

Photo by Lee Lageschulte

Hundreds of Edmonds residents crowded every inch of the beach and lined the breakwater at the Edmonds waterfront, waiting for the signal to plunge into the water.

Photo by Lee Lageschulte

Once they started to go into the water, the crowd looked even bigger than when they were huddling for warmth on the beach.

Photo by Lee Lageschulte

It's not true that they were all screaming "omg get me out of here." In fact they appear to be high-fiving and even swimming. Although a few are heading for shore.

Photo by Lee Lageschulte
The mountains peeked out to see what all the screaming was about but then quickly pulled the covers over their heads and went back to bed.

--Diane Hettrick


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Second Friday Arts for Adults: Coloring - in person at the Kenmore Library

Second Friday Arts for Adults: Coloring at the Kenmore Library 6531 NE 181st Street, Kenmore, WA, 98028. 425-486-8747

  • Friday, January 12, 2024 drop in from 2-4pm
  • Friday, February 9, 2024
  • Friday, March 8, 2024

Come to the library to create casual art in a relaxed and friendly environment. We will have basic arts supplies, tea and snacks and quiet music. You can also bring your own project to work on!

We will start the year off in January with detailed pages from adult coloring books. Colored pencils supplied.

Registration not required. Drop in at any time.


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Save the Date! February 21 is the second Community Workshop for the future Public Lakefront Park property in LFP


The City of Lake Forest Park has acquired two parcels of land, totaling 1.91 acres, on the shores of Lake Washington to provide the community with active water recreation opportunities. 

This multi-year effort requires community participation and input. The City and its consultants are now embarking on the design of the future public waterfront that will feature expanded park and community space.

Your input is essential to the design of our future public lakefront park! 

Share your thoughts and vision for the new lakefront park improvement project during the Community Workshop in the City Council Chambers 17425 Ballinger Way NE, Lake Forest Park WA 98155 on Wednesday, February 21, 2024, anytime between 5:30pm – 7:30pm.

Be sure to view the project website for more information on the project, sign up to receive email updates, and go on a virtual tour of the park!

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Jobs: WSDOT Assistant Project Engineer (WMS Band 2)

WSDOT
Assistant Project Engineer (WMS Band 2)
Shoreline, WA- Northwest Region
$91,072 - $116,802 Annually

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is currently seeking an Assistant Project Engineer for the Snohomish/King County Area. 

This position is responsible and accountable to assist the Project Engineer in the development and delivery of assigned projects, effectively and efficiently implementing region and statewide procedures and processes to meet the objectives and performance measures of the Region Construction Program and the biennial commitments established.

The main purpose of this position is to assist and act on behalf of the Project Engineer in the delivery of the Northwest Region’s highway design and construction contracts to meet local, State and Federal standards within scope, schedule, and budget. 

This position assists the Project Engineer to ensure that projects have the best integration into the surrounding environment, function adequately for all modes of transportation, and are constructible and maintainable and have minimal impacts to the travelling public.

Job description and application


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Ecology seeks public comment on disposal of PFAS firefighting foam

Firefighters using foam as a fire suppressant
Photo courtesy Department of Ecology

OLYMPIA – PFAS-containing foam – known as aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) – is used to fight fires fueled by oil, gasoline, or other flammable liquids. 

It’s also a leading cause of PFAS contamination in drinking water across the state.

In recent years, safer alternatives to these foams have become available, and Washington prohibited the sale and manufacture of PFAS foams in 2018.

In 2020, Ecology initiated a program to help municipal fire departments dispose of unused AFFF. 

Safely disposing of that foam after it has been collected is challenging, however – PFAS aren’t known as “forever chemicals” for nothing. 

The Washington Department of Ecology has been studying options for AFFF disposal and is now seeking public comment on a draft environmental impact statement outlining five disposal options for firefighting foams with toxic PFAS chemicals.

Comments received on the draft environmental impact statement (EIS) will help inform Ecology’s selection of a disposal method for the program. 

The draft EIS describes five disposal options for municipal supplies of AFFF: incineration, solidification and landfilling, deep-well injection, approved hold-in-place, and no action. 

The DEIS also includes possible public health and environmental impacts of each option and potential mitigation strategies.

Why is PFAS contamination a concern?

Exposure to PFAS levels above recommended limits over time may lead to harmful health effects, such as increased cholesterol levels, increased risk of thyroid disease and certain cancers, decreased birth weights, and decreased immune response to vaccines. 

Many types of PFAS are water soluble and highly mobile, meaning they can easily contaminate groundwater. These chemicals are highly persistent in the environment.

Public input

  • Review the AFFF DEIS and submit comments online now through February 5, 2024.
  • Learn more about AFFF and the disposal options at a webinar – 10am on January 17, 2024.
  • Provide input at a public hearing – 1pm January 31, 2024.
Related links

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