Councilmembers present: Alan Kiest (5:45 p.m.), Dwight Thompson, Mary Jane Goss, Nate Herzog (5:45 p.m.), Roger Olstad, Ed Sterner (6:30 p.m.)

Councilmember absent: Carolyn Armanini

Staff present: David R. Hutchinson, Mayor; Karen Haines, City Administrator; Michael Ruark, City Attorney; Dennis Peterson, Police Chief; Tema Nesoff, Parks Administrator; Ty Peterson, Planning Manager; Neil Jensen, City Engineer; Susan Stine, City Clerk

Mayor David Hutchinson opened the special study session meeting at 5:39 p.m.

There being no objection, the agenda was adopted as proposed.

City Administrator Karen Haines noted that a draft interlocal agreement for fire marshal services was provided. A copy of the fee schedule for various permits was distributed.

Fire Chief Bob Peterson said that the Northshore Fire Department had been involved in discussions with the cities of Lake Forest Park and Kenmore regarding the administration and enforcement of the Uniform Fire Code, and the interlocal agreement was prepared based on those discussions. He noted that the city of Bothell has a qualified fire marshal who would serve as a technical advisor and provide assistance as needed.

Fire Chief Peterson discussed fire code administration and review services and the listed fees for various permits.

In response to a question from Cmbr. Goss, Planning Manager Ty Peterson said that the city’s contract with King County allows for recovery of costs for all services provided.

Fire Chief Peterson noted that local taxes cover most of the administration and enforcement costs, and the Department would benefit by providing annual inspections and permit review for the its service area.

Parks Administrator Tema Nesoff reported on the work of the Cole Nature Park Task Force, a group comprised of representatives of the city, the Parks Commission, the Shoreline School District (Lake Forest Park Elementary School principal Peter Hodges), and the Lake Forest Park Stewardship Foundation. Nesoff reported that the preliminary site design and wetland assessment on the Hill/Petrie parcels had been completed and the parcel known as the Madden property had been purchased. She noted that the Madden and Briercrest Community Club parcels must be surveyed and incorporated into the Cole Nature Park survey, and the master plan must be expanded to include the new property. Also a geotechnical assessment of the steep sandy slopes at the site is needed. Nesoff reviewed estimated costs for the projects required to complete the master plan and discussed funding alternatives. Discussion followed regarding issues related to the budgeting process and items to be completed at the Lyon Creek Waterfront Preserve.

In response to a question from Haines, councilmembers indicated that Nesoff was not required to be present at the regular meeting for the discussion of Resolution 791/Authorizing Mayor to Sign Contract with Paul Sorey for Animal Acres Park Drinking Fountain.

Planning Manager Peterson reviewed the sign amortization process and discussed the notification of property owners and businesses.

Haines noted that only one sign per business may be amortized, and other nonconforming signs for the same business or property must be removed.

In response to questions from Cmbr. Kiest, Peterson discussed signage and banner regulations.

Cmbr. Sterner arrived at the meeting at 6:30 p.m.

Cmbr. Herzog raised the issue of the nonconforming signage at local elementary schools. In response to a question from Cmbr. Goss, Peterson said that the council could amend the sign code to address such signage.

Planning Manager Peterson reviewed information related to the types of land use, development and construction activities requiring posted notices.

Cmbr. Herzog noted his interest in posting requirements and the appeal process.

Cmbr. Sterner referred to the appeal process and noted that a permit is still valid even if appealed. He expressed his interest in proposing changes to the code to require posting of significant land use permit applications so that appeals can be made prior to permit issuance.

Kiest said that the Municipal Research and Services Center should be consulted to see if other cities have a more harmonized approach to providing information to citizens.

City Attorney Ruark noted that the city code does not provide for a stay when an appeal has been filed on a land use permit, and the council may wish to explore this concept. Ruark also noted that state law had exempted building permits from notice requirements. He said that anyone can appeal an administrative decision but must prove they have standing or the legal right to appeal.

Kiest noted the permitting of the Cherry Hill Apartments and the impact of citizen action on aspects of its development.

Goss questioned whether the city’s process is significantly more burdensome that other municipalities and raised the issue of staff costs related to posting and other duties.

Police Chief Dennis Peterson reviewed information related to the proposed interlocal cooperation agreement with a coalition of small police agencies. In response to questions from councilmembers, Peterson said that the proposed interlocal agreement had not been changed since the council’s earlier review and discussed issues related to in-service training and mutual aid.

Haines informed councilmembers that Tony Clements, a parks maintenance worker under the Kenmore contract, has submitted his resignation effective September. Cmbr. Thompson noted that this position is included in the budget proviso requiring that all vacated positions be re-authorized by the Council.

There being no objection, the special study session meeting was adjourned at 7:16 p.m.

Susan Stine, City Clerk

David R. Hutchinson, Mayor

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