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This is an information-only record of the proceedings of the Lake Forest Park City Council. Please contact the city to request a paper copy of the official minutes of the council.

City of Lake Forest Park

City Council
Regular Meeting
June 15, 2000


Councilmembers present: Carolyn Armanini, Mary Jane Goss (7:53 p.m.), Roger Olstad, Ed Sterner

Councilmembers excused: Alan Kiest, Dwight Thompson, Nate Herzog

Staff Present: David R. Hutchinson, Mayor, Douglas Jacobson, City Administrator; Michael Ruark, City Attorney, John Rogers, Police Chief; Sarah Phillips, Government & Community Relations Coordinator; Susan Stine, City Clerk; Evelyn Jahed, Deputy City Clerk

Others present: 19 visitors

CALL TO ORDER

Mayor Hutchinson said that the meeting would begin with citizen comments followed by the mayor’s report since a quorum is not present at this time. He noted that Cmbr. Goss will be arriving late.

CITIZEN COMMENTS

Marta Brakke, 18206 Ballinger Way NE, Library Commission chair, gave an update on the current events sponsored by the library and Third Place Books.

Ros Bird, 16061 37th Avenue NE, distributed posters and information regarding the Shoreline Arts Festival and other arts events in the city and invited everyone to attend.

Dave Crawford, 17230 Brookside Blvd NE, expressed his concern about property taxes. He also expressed concern regarding taxpayers’ money being spent on various parks in the city. He said he likes living here but doesn’t like to see property taxes going up.

MAYOR’S REPORT

Mayor Hutchinson reported on his attendance at the transportation summit, his meeting with the Shoreline School District to discuss the Partnership for Applied Learning Skills (PALS) and the school to work program, Suburban Cities Association meetings and the upcoming Association of Washington Cities conference in Spokane. He also reported that he and Cmbr. Olstad visited Mr. Purn’s third grade class at Lake Forest Park Elementary School to discuss possible uses of the Lyon Creek property for educational purposes. He noted that a retirement party for Chief Rogers will be held on June 28, 2000 at the Civic Club.

Cmbr. Goss entered the council chambers at 7:53 p.m.

Mayor Hutchinson opened the study session at 7:53 p.m.

Hutchinson invited retiring Public Safety Commissioner Jake Groshong to give a brief report on the Teen Court and the handling of juvenile cases.

Groshong described the operation of the Teen Court, how offenders are referred, and sentencing options. He noted that other jurisdictions are looking into developing similar teen courts as an option for cases involving teens.

CONFIRMATION CALENDAR

Confirmation Review

Jason Gregory, Public Safety Commission, Pos. 4, term ending 3/31/2002

Hutchinson introduced Jason Gregory as his nominee for the Public Safety Commission. Gregory provided information on his educational background and interests and his reasons for wanting to serve on the commission. He said that he would like to be more involved with city government and to represent the teens in our community.

Dennis Peterson, Lake Forest Park Police Chief

Hutchinson introduced Dennis Peterson as his nominee for Lake Forest Park Police Chief. Peterson said he is pleased with the opportunity to serve as police chief for Lake Forest Park and looks forward to beginning work. He then introduced his wife Dodi Peterson.

Hutchinson said that a contract for the police chief has been drafted, and this will be presented at the July 6, 2000 special council meeting for approval.

State Legislative Reports

Senator Darlene Fairley, Representative Carolyn Edmonds, Representative Ruth Kagi

State Representative Ruth Kagi, a resident of Lake Forest Park, discussed the tremendous challenges the state faced with the passage of I-695. She discussed her work as a member of the appropriations committee, the use of general fund monies for transportation needs, and bridge funding for cities that lost revenue as a result of I-695. She discussed law enforcement issues and noted the establishment of a task force to look at unfunded mandates.

State Representative Carolyn Edmonds, a resident of the city of Shoreline, reported on health care issues and the patient’s bill of rights. Other issues included the Shoreline Management Act, property tax relief for senior citizens, the cost of prescription drugs and consumer privacy issues

State Senator Darlene Fairley, 17403 Ballinger Way NE, discussed privacy concerns and initiatives, Sound Transit funding, the telecommunications right of way bill, shoreline management legislation, and gambling issues.

Cmbr. Armanini thanked Senator Fairley for taking time to contact the city regarding issues affecting Lake Forest Park and its citizens.

Representative Kagi added that funding had been approved for after school programs for middle schools and commended the city for its leadership on this program.

AT&T Cable Presentation

-Janet Turpin, Director of Franchising

No report was given since the representative from AT&T Cable was not present.

Proposed City Fiscal Policies on City Reserve Requirements

Finance Director John Hawley distributed information regarding reserve funds and proposed policies and discussed the listed purposes for such funds.

Armanini said she appreciated receiving this information and discussed issues related to the public works equipment fund and the street fund. She said the policies must be worded carefully to avoid unintended future consequences.

Jacobson indicated that the next step would be to put this information into resolution form for council review and approval.

In response to a question from Cmbr. Olstad, Jacobson explained the distribution and expenditures for the sewer fund.

In response to a question from Cmbr. Sterner, Jacobson discussed the equipment reserve fund and reserves for uninsured losses.

Goss expressed her interest in looking at policies developed by other cities regarding reserve funds and their use. Hawley said he has some examples from other cities that will be shared with the council.

SECOND READING CALENDAR

Authorize Mayor to Sign/Agreement with Shorelake Soccer Club

In response to a question from Olstad, Jacobson discussed the relationship of this agreement to the King County grant and other issues. Discussion followed on relocation of trees as well as the amount of time the soccer club will occupy the field.

Goss referred to page 3, lines 3-5 in the agreement, and City Attorney Ruark noted the following will be deleted:

"…in or about the premises. excepts only such injury or damage as shall have been occasioned by the sole negligence of the City."

Sterner moved to authorize the mayor to sign the agreement with Shorelake Soccer Club as amended.

Goss seconded. The motion carried unanimously.

Use of State Shared Excise Tax Replacement Monies

Jacobson noted that the city of Lake Forest Park has received $436,000 this year for use of shared excise tax replacement monies and anticipates receiving $873,000 in 2001. He noted the list of recommendations for use of the funds received this year. He discussed the possibility of restoring some programs that were cut and placing some of the funds in reserve accounts.

Armanini noted that a meeting of the council budget committee would be called to discuss allocation of these funds.

In response to a question from Goss, Jacobson said that an update is underway of the five-year projections.

Discussion of Gambling Issues

It was the consensus of the council that discussion of gambling issues will be scheduled for a meeting when all councilmembers are present.

Confirmation of the Appointment of Chief of Police

Goss moved to approve the appointment of Dennis Peterson as the new chief of police for the city of Lake Forest Park.

Olstad seconded. The motion carried unanimously.

ADJOURNMENT

There being no objection, the meeting was adjourned at 9:40 p.m.

 

Susan Stine, City Clerk

APPROVED:

 

David R. Hutchinson, Mayor


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