Councilmembers present: Alan Kiest, Carolyn Armanini, Dwight Thompson, Mary Jane Goss, Nate Herzog (7:35 p.m.), Roger Olstad, Ed Sterner

Staff present: David R. Hutchinson, Mayor; Doug Jacobson, City Administrator; Frank Zenk, Director of Public Services; Dennis Peterson, Police Chief; Sarah Phillips, Government and Community Affairs Manager; John Hawley, Finance Director; Scott Drown, Police Commander; Tony Matthews, Police Sergeant; Ty Peterson, City Planner; Glenn Akramoff; Public Works Supervisor; Tema Nesoff, Human Services Coordinator; Susan Stine, City Clerk

Others present: 17 visitors

Mayor David Hutchinson called the regular council meeting to order at 7:33 p.m.

Mayor Hutchinson welcomed Zach Paulsen of Scout Troop 348 to the meeting. Paulsen indicated that he is working on his community and citizenship badge.

Hutchinson reported on the October 27 Make a Difference Day and reminded those present of the November 3 Family Harvest Festival. He reported on his meeting with Shoreline School District Superintendent James Welsh.

At the mayor’s request, Cmbr. Carolyn Armanini reported on the work of the school district’s land banked properties task force and the interest in the Aldercrest property for expanded community use.

Armanini also noted that the Northshore Fire District will hold public workshops on November 15 and 29 entitled "Survival in Troubled Times."

Ron Ricker, 18987 Forest Park Dr. NE, expressed his disappointment that he had not been notified that Ordinance 863 was on the agenda.

Discussion followed regarding improvements to the property and contacts with representatives of the state Department of Transportation.

Nigel Keiffer, 3022 NE 193^rd St., expressed his opinion regarding proposed Ordinance 863 and encouraged the city to try to help Ricker.

Mary Fung Koehler, 4652 NE 201^st Pl., expressed her concern regarding missing political signs.

Cmbr. Armanini expressed her appreciation of the accomplishments of Judge Portnoy in elevating the credibility and professionalism of the municipal court and her creative endeavors such as teen court.

Cmbr. Thompson praised Portnoy’s administrative skill and her use of alternative sentencing.

In response to questions from Thompson, Portnoy discussed her interest in issues related to mental health and domestic violence victim advocacy.

In response to a question from Cmbr. Sterner, Portnoy discussed the court’s responsibilities and the impact of increased detention costs on small cities.

Thompson moved approval of the consent calendar as follows:

1. October 18, 2001 council study session minutes
2. October 25, 2001 finance committee report/warrant 40273

Armanini expressed appreciation for the additional detail provided regarding the invoice and asked for consideration of her concerns prior to similar expenditures in the future.

Human Services Coordinator Tema Nesoff noted that a meeting of the Human Services Commission had preceded the council meeting and that all commissioners had remained for the council meeting and presentation of the human services budget request.

Nesoff discussed issues related to the proposed budget involving the community development block grant (CDBG) pass-through funds, senior services, the teen program, the middle school after-school program, drug and alcohol prevention and treatment programs, the domestic violence victim’s advocate and a potential program offered through the high schools for early awareness of domestic violence issues. Human Services Commission chair Nelson Lee commented on the commission’s interest in a pilot program for early awareness of domestic violence.

Cmbr. Herzog requested additional information regarding performance measures regarding the middle school and other programs.

Nesoff and Parks and Recreation Commission chair Victoria Gilleland discussed activities planned for the November 3 Family Harvest Festival.

Nesoff reviewed the proposed budget for support of programs offered by Friends of Third Place Commons, the Shoreline/Lake Forest Park Arts Council, and various community events. She noted the success of the summer day camp, sports camps and tennis lessons.

Kiest raised the question of spring clean events, and discussion followed of past and possible future events.

In response to a question from Sterner, Nesoff discussed grant funding for park furniture and recycling events and promotions.

Discussion followed regarding the importance of ongoing park maintenance.

A five-minute recess was called for at 9:10 p.m.

The meeting was resumed at 9:19 p.m.

Police Chief Dennis Peterson reported that the former property officer has been named to a support services position, which includes transporting detainees. Peterson noted that the department has not experienced any staff turnover recently.

Peterson noted the department’s annual report that was prepared with the aid of interns and praised the Shoreline Community College program.

He discussed the good response to the juvenile intervention program and said that he hopes to explore the possibility of a similar program for adults in light of increasing detention costs.

Peterson noted the volunteer crime prevention program coordinator position is needed to oversee and communicate with the 22 block watch captains and to develop programs to offer to the community. In response to a question from Kiest, Peterson noted that he and Commander Drown lead the meetings with citizens.

Peterson discussed use of the bicycle patrol on the Burke Gilman trail, training, customer service and mutual aid issues. Kiest said policies should be established regionally regarding radio frequency for incident response where several agencies are involved.

Peterson noted the opportunity to add motorcycle traffic patrol and discussed the Harley-Davidson lease program. Other equipment discussed included rifles, laser sights and less than lethal equipment.

In response to a comment from Kiest, Peterson noted that the use of new equipment would be preceded by the development of a departmental policy and training. In response to a request from Kiest, Peterson said a policy is under development, and he will provide the council with a draft copy.

Kiest expressed his appreciation of the department’s annual report and the performance indicators provided as part of the proposed budget.

In response to a question from Kiest, Peterson discussed issues related to the clearance of cases.

Cmbr. Goss noted that she has seen changes in the community attitude regarding the city’s police department. In response to a question from Goss, Peterson said that he and Director of Public Services Frank Zenk are working together on traffic issues. Goss requested additional statistical information regarding traffic on arterial streets as compared to state highways. In response to a comment from Goss, Peterson said he is working with Judge Portnoy regarding establishing a local traffic school program.

In response to questions from Cmbr. Thompson, Peterson discussed the school resource officer position, the DARE program and funding issues. Peterson also discussed the guild negotiations process, the officer-in-charge position, the departmental policy manual, courtroom security and emergency preparedness. Peterson commended Cmdr. Drown for his work on equipment for the new city hall.

In response to Cmbr. Herzog, Peterson discussed overtime pay, department vehicles and dispatch costs.

Armanini requested that Chief Peterson consider increasing the department’s after-hours presence at the new city hall following the move.

Director of Public Services Frank Zenk thanked Finance Director John Hawley and Public Works Supervisor Glenn Akramoff for their work on the development of the proposed public works budget. He noted that the department’s entrepreneurial spirit has been encouraged and interlocal agreements have been forged with other agencies and municipalities.

Zenk said the department strives to enhance the livability of the community. A team approach has been implemented, and all team members are committed to providing quality service.

Zenk said he would like to bring more of the departmental work in-house after studying the budget impacts of the King County contracts. He believes that with this change the department will be able to respond quickly to community needs while maintaining a budget neutral position. He noted that public works team members have participated in all community special events.

Zenk discussed proposals for joint projects with Woodinville and Kenmore, traffic management studies by University of Washington students and possible opportunities to work with Shoreline.

In response to a question from Thompson, Zenk noted that two items requested but not funded in the proposed budget are an administrative assistant and a partnership for a code compliance/enforcement position.

Cmbr. Kiest exited the meeting at 11 p.m.

In response to a question from Thompson, Zenk noted the importance of park maintenance and credited Public Works Supervisor Akramoff’s direction of the teams on various projects.

Discussion followed regarding the five-year projections for the street fund and the need for developing a database of work orders and citizen action requests.

Thompson moved to table Ordinance 863/Adopting Requirements for Structure Repairs.

Armanini exited the meeting at 11:15 p.m.

Thompson moved to suspend the rules and to adopt Resolution 654 Canceling Certain Warrants Not Presented for Payment within One Year of Issue.

Thompson moved to advance Resolution 655/Authorizing Mayor to Sign Amendment to Conservation Futures Interlocal Cooperation Agreement for Open Space Acquisition Projects to the November 8, 2001 council agenda second reading calendar.

Herzog seconded. The motion carried unanimously with six five votes. (Council approved 11/15/01)

Thompson moved to hold Ordinance 864/Amending Transportation Element of City’s Comprehensive Plan on the second reading calendar for the November 8, 2001 council agenda.

Herzog Armanini seconded. The motion carried unanimously with five votes. (Council approved 11/15/01)

City Administrator Jacobson said he would like the concurrence of the council prior to soliciting proposals from appraisers for the property associated with the Grace Cole nature preserve.

Discussion followed regarding the properties involved, whether the intent to purchase is implied in the appraisal process, the need for a willing seller, restrictions related to the use of conservation futures bond funds.

Herzog noted that a different financial climate exists currently as compared to when the grant application was approved. He said that he was under the impression that individuals, the Stewardship Foundation or other grants were to provide some of the matching funds required of the city.

Thompson said that council members were aware of the possibility that real estate excise tax funds would be utilized for the city match, and he agreed that a partnership with the Stewardship Foundation is needed.

Goss expressed her interest in establishing an opportunity for public input prior to committing to purchasing additional open space, and she stated her concern regarding the lack of active parks in the city.

Council members discussed the impact of action on Resolution 655/Authorizing Mayor to Sign Amendment to Conservation Futures Interlocal Cooperation Agreement for Open Space Acquisition Projects at the November 8, 2001 council meeting. Thompson noted that a vote for the resolution does not imply a vote for purchase of the property.

There being no objection, the meeting was adjourned at 11:40 p.m.

Susan Stine
City Clerk

APPROVED:
David R. Hutchinson, Mayor

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