OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Shoreline City Council Regular Meeting - November 4, 2024: Budget Hearings, Proclamations, and Legislative Priorities

City Council — Monday, November 4, 2024
BodyShoreline, Washington
SessionCity Council
DateMonday, November 4, 2024
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:37:23

Transcript — Verbatim
0:00

Good evening.

0:00

I'd like to call to order the Shoreline City Council regular meeting for Monday, November 4th, 2024 to order.

0:07

Will you please join me in the flag salute?

0:20

Undergone Thank you.

0:27

Will the clerk please call the roll?

0:28

Mayor Roberts.

0:29

Here.

0:30

Deputy Mayor Mark.

0:31

Present.

0:31

Councilmember Ramsdale.

0:32

Present.

0:33

Councilmember Scully.

0:34

Present.

0:34

Council Member Adamasu.

0:36

Present.

0:37

Councilmember Pobi.

0:39

Council Member Robertson.

0:41

Here.

0:45

Thank you.

0:47

Tonight I have to have two proclamations that I'm going to proclaim in person tonight.

0:54

So first, I tonight I have the pleasure of proclaiming the month of November as National Native American Heritage Month in the City of Shoreline.

1:01

I'd like to invite a Duwamish Council Tribal Councilman Paul Nelson to the podium to accept the proclamation.

1:10

And Ken Workman is joining you.

1:21

Whereas Native Americans, including local Duwamish, Muckleshoots, Noquame, Snohomish, Sequamish, Tuela, and many others have been and continue to be protectors and stewards of our natural resources and environment since time immemorial.

1:40

And whereas in the face of broken treaties, violent displacement, and genocide, Native Americans have preserved and continue, persevered and continued with remarkable strength, resilience, and self-determination.

1:58

And whereas National Native American Heritage Month is recognized annually to honor indigenous cultures, histories, traditions, art, and achievements.

2:09

And whereas the City of Shoreline values the many contributions made to society by Native people in technology, science, philosophy, the arts, and especially our local Native American volunteers and leaders.

2:22

And whereas the city also recognizes that we must work to combat the impacts of discrimination and racist policies on Native people and eliminate inequal equities stemming from colonization.

2:36

Now, therefore, I, Christopher Roberts, mayor of the City of Shoreline, on behalf of the City of Shoreline, recognize that November is Native American Heritage Month in the City of Shoreline, and encourage all residents to learn more about ways to celebrate and support native and indigenous communities.

3:14

Okay.

3:16

Good evening, Mayor Roberts, Council members and the community members.

3:27

I also grew up in Shoreline not far from here.

3:34

I'm deeply honored to be here as a Duwamish Tribal Council member and a member of our tribe.

3:40

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the City of Shoreline for recognizing Indigenous Heritage Month and for making space to honor the rich and enduring history, culture, and contributions of indigenous peoples.

3:54

The proclamation is more than a statement.

3:56

It is a meaningful gesture of respect and acknowledgement.

4:00

As an as Indigenous people, we are the original stewards of this land, and though we have faced great challenges, our traditions, stories, and connections to this land remain unbroken.

4:13

By recognizing Indigenous Heritage Month, you are helping to illuminate the resilience, strength, and vibrant legacy of the indigenous communities, including the Duwamish here in Shoreline.

4:24

Thank you for standing with us for listening to our stories and for contributing to a future where our culture and history are honored now and for generations to come.

4:34

With that, I would like to hand it over to my fellow council person, tribal elder, and good friend Ken Workman.

4:48

A long time ago, a dishapo salika duwabsta.

5:00

This is the language of the people that have been living here for 14,000 years.

5:05

This is the indigenous language of the Duwamish.

5:10

These are the words that were taken from us so very long ago, and that we are beginning to speak once again.

5:17

And so it's my honors, my pleasure to stand next to my fellow council member and accept this honor, this honor of the city of Shoreline, of which I too grew up here, has bestowed upon the tribe through our council member, Paul Nelson.

5:42

By way of formal introduction, and this is how we do in our culture.

5:48

We say our name, Yahus Tops.

5:51

Yahus Tobes teesta at the Duabs, you have eash Paul Nelshin, C E Ab at the Duwabs.

6:00

That my name is Workman, and I am of the Duamish tribe.

6:04

And my honored, esteemed friend Paul Nelson is also a Duamish tribal member.

6:12

We love this place, the city of Shoreline, and we appreciate the honor that you have bestowed upon us with this proclamation, declaring the city through its mayor, Christopher Roberts, on this day, declaring that this is indigenous day here in the city.

6:32

And so we would like to just cut things short.

6:35

And so in our language, we use this word, and it's hoy.

7:56

And whereas our nation's veterans have sacrificed to preserve and protect our country and constitution from all enemies, foreign and domestic.

8:06

And whereas November 11th, 1919 was initially proclaimed as Armistice Day to honor our country as World War I veterans.

8:15

And in order for a grateful nation to pay homage to veterans of all wars on June 1st, 1954, President Eisenhower signed into law the renaming of Armistice Day to Veterans Day.

8:29

And whereas the City of Shoreline recognizes the contributions of the men and women in the military who have served our country and who continue to serve their communities.

8:40

And whereas on Monday, November 11th, 2024, at 2 p.m.

8:44

at Shoreline City Hall, the Shoreline Veterans Association is hosting their annual Veterans Day celebration to honor local veterans.

8:53

Now therefore, I, Christopher Roberts, mayor of the city of Shoreline, on behalf of the entire Shoreline City Council, do proclaim November 11th, 2024 as Veterans Appreciation Day in the city of Shoreline, and urge all residents to honor the sacrifices of the loyal and courageous veterans who have given so much for the cause of peace.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Budget Equity Analysis█████████████████17%
Legislative Process█████████████████17%
Public Engagement█████████████13%
Procedural███████████11%
Public Safety█████████9%
Mental Health Awareness████████8%
Racial Equity█████5%
Parks and Recreation████4%
Transportation Safety████4%
Summary of Proceedings

Shoreline City Council Regular Meeting - November 4, 2024

The Shoreline City Council held a regular meeting on Monday, November 4, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber. The meeting included two proclamations, approval of the consent calendar, public hearings on the 2025-2026 proposed biennial budget and property tax levies, discussion of budget amendments, and review of the 2025 state legislative priorities. The meeting adjourned at 8:37 p.m.

Proclamations

  • Mayor Roberts proclaimed November as National Native American Heritage Month and invited Duwamish Tribal Councilmen Paul Nelson and Ken Workman to accept the proclamation. They spoke about the enduring history and resilience of Indigenous peoples.
  • Mayor Roberts proclaimed November 11, 2024, as Veterans Appreciation Day and invited Charles Grenard and Tiffany Bothell to accept the proclamation. They thanked the city for its support of veterans.

Consent Calendar

  • Approved the regular meeting minutes of October 14, 2024.
  • Authorized the City Manager to execute a construction contract with Harkness Construction in the amount of $477,093.60 for the 1st Avenue NE Sanitary Sewer Replacement Project.
  • Authorized the City Manager to execute the third extension of the Sewer Use Agreement between the City of Shoreline and Olympic View Water and Sewer District.
  • The motion to approve the Consent Calendar carried 7-0.

Public Comments & Testimony

General Public Comment (before public hearings):

  • Katie Lorah, Shoreline resident and member of Urbanist Shoreline, requested the Council prioritize funding for a consultant-led subarea planning process and the development of the 175th Street Corridor for multimodal uses. She also supported the 175th corridor as a state legislative funding priority and urged consideration of a vehicle lane reduction.

Public Hearing on the 2025-2026 Proposed Biennial Budget (Revenue & Property Tax Levies):

  • No public testimony was offered; the hearing was closed.

Public Hearing on the 2025-2026 Proposed Biennial Budget (Expenditures & CIP):

  • Emily Jones, Executive Director of Shoreline Lake Forest Park Senior Center, expressed enthusiastic support for funding a behavioral health specialist at the Senior Center. She reported that in 2023, of 136 unique clients served by the social worker, 65 exhibited symptoms of mental health concerns. In 2024, 55 of 126 unique clients were identified with possible mental health issues. She emphasized the need for in-person, low-cost services for low-income seniors.
  • Ben London, Shoreline resident and Executive Director of Sonic Guild, thanked the city for a five-year partnership supporting musicians through education and professional development. He noted the recent Shoreline Music Summit sold out and highlighted the city's recording studios.
  • Dave Guilland, Shoreline resident, criticized police enforcement and advocated for traffic camera enforcement over police traffic units. He cited a personal incident where a police vehicle violated a traffic law.
  • Heidi Shepherd, Shoreline resident and Board President of North Urban Human Services Alliance (NUHSA), advocated for funding a behavioral health specialist at the Senior Center, noting the need for accessible mental health services for low-income seniors experiencing loss and isolation.

Discussion Items

1. 2025-2026 Proposed Biennial Budget & Property Tax Levies (Action Item 8A & 8B)

  • Sara Lane, Administrative Services Director, and Christy Hopkins, Budget and Tax Manager, presented the proposed budget. Total resources for the biennium are $424.260 million. The 2025 regular property tax levy is estimated at $24.9 million (levy rate $1.53 per $1,000), and the excess levy for park improvements is $2.96 million. Sales tax is projected to decrease 6.5% in 2025 due to lower construction sales, then increase 2.1% in 2026. Surface water fees increase 12.5% in 2025, then 8.5% thereafter. Wastewater fees increase $2.25 per month in 2027-2028. Total appropriations are $406.5 million.
  • Councilmembers discussed proposed amendments (to be voted on November 18): reduce council travel and training budget, extend sidewalk on 25th Ave NE, add a victim advocate position, and questions about the public dance license fee. Councilmember Ramsdell acknowledged public support for the behavioral health specialist.

2. Ordinance No. 1020 - Amending the 2023-2024 Biennial Budget (Study Item 9A)

  • Christy Hopkins presented the final amendment to the 2023-2024 budget, changing appropriations for 15 funds. The projected unassigned/undesignated ending fund balance is $26.692 million. Councilmember Robertson asked how pending amendments would affect the ending balance; staff will provide updated numbers before the November 18 action.

3. 2025 State Legislative Priorities (Study Item 9B)

  • Jim Hammond, Intergovernmental Relations Manager, and Debora Munguia, contract lobbyist, presented the draft legislative agenda for the 105-day session (starting January 13, 2025). The state faces a projected budget shortfall of $3 to $10 billion. Key priorities include addressing homelessness, affordable housing, transit-oriented development, behavioral health, transportation funding, and environmental protections. The city will focus on the 175th Street Corridor (total estimated cost $60 million) and continue engagement on transit-oriented development. Councilmember Scully cautioned against overextending resources on state TOD conversations and emphasized linking to infrastructure funding. Councilmember Ademasu supported legislative efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and urged including carbon sequestration and stormwater management in the climate agenda. Mayor Roberts stressed the city's strong fiscal position and the need to encourage good budget practices statewide.

Key Outcomes

  • The Consent Calendar was approved unanimously (7-0).
  • Both public hearings were closed; no testimony was received on the revenue hearing, and four speakers testified on the expenditure hearing.
  • The 2025-2026 Proposed Biennial Budget, property tax levies (Ordinance No. 1021), impact fees (Ordinance No. 1022), and fee schedule (Resolution No. 530) are scheduled for action on the November 18 consent calendar.
  • Ordinance No. 1020 (2023-2024 budget amendment) is scheduled for action on the November 18 consent calendar.
  • The 2025 State Legislative Priorities will be brought back for adoption on the consent calendar at a future meeting, with a modest amendment to incorporate climate resilience language as suggested by Councilmember Ademasu.
  • Councilmembers were encouraged to submit any additional budget amendments promptly for staff review.

Meeting Transcript

Good evening. I'd like to call to order the Shoreline City Council regular meeting for Monday, November 4th, 2024 to order. Will you please join me in the flag salute? Undergone Thank you. Will the clerk please call the roll? Mayor Roberts. Here. Deputy Mayor Mark. Present. Councilmember Ramsdale. Present. Councilmember Scully. Present. Council Member Adamasu. Present. Councilmember Pobi. Council Member Robertson. Here. Thank you. Tonight I have to have two proclamations that I'm going to proclaim in person tonight. So first, I tonight I have the pleasure of proclaiming the month of November as National Native American Heritage Month in the City of Shoreline. I'd like to invite a Duwamish Council Tribal Councilman Paul Nelson to the podium to accept the proclamation. And Ken Workman is joining you. Whereas Native Americans, including local Duwamish, Muckleshoots, Noquame, Snohomish, Sequamish, Tuela, and many others have been and continue to be protectors and stewards of our natural resources and environment since time immemorial. And whereas in the face of broken treaties, violent displacement, and genocide, Native Americans have preserved and continue, persevered and continued with remarkable strength, resilience, and self-determination. And whereas National Native American Heritage Month is recognized annually to honor indigenous cultures, histories, traditions, art, and achievements. And whereas the City of Shoreline values the many contributions made to society by Native people in technology, science, philosophy, the arts, and especially our local Native American volunteers and leaders. And whereas the city also recognizes that we must work to combat the impacts of discrimination and racist policies on Native people and eliminate inequal equities stemming from colonization. Now, therefore, I, Christopher Roberts, mayor of the City of Shoreline, on behalf of the City of Shoreline, recognize that November is Native American Heritage Month in the City of Shoreline, and encourage all residents to learn more about ways to celebrate and support native and indigenous communities. Okay. Good evening, Mayor Roberts, Council members and the community members. I also grew up in Shoreline not far from here. I'm deeply honored to be here as a Duwamish Tribal Council member and a member of our tribe. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the City of Shoreline for recognizing Indigenous Heritage Month and for making space to honor the rich and enduring history, culture, and contributions of indigenous peoples. The proclamation is more than a statement. It is a meaningful gesture of respect and acknowledgement. As an as Indigenous people, we are the original stewards of this land, and though we have faced great challenges, our traditions, stories, and connections to this land remain unbroken. By recognizing Indigenous Heritage Month, you are helping to illuminate the resilience, strength, and vibrant legacy of the indigenous communities, including the Duwamish here in Shoreline. Thank you for standing with us for listening to our stories and for contributing to a future where our culture and history are honored now and for generations to come. With that, I would like to hand it over to my fellow council person, tribal elder, and good friend Ken Workman. A long time ago, a dishapo salika duwabsta. This is the language of the people that have been living here for 14,000 years. This is the indigenous language of the Duwamish. These are the words that were taken from us so very long ago, and that we are beginning to speak once again. And so it's my honors, my pleasure to stand next to my fellow council member and accept this honor, this honor of the city of Shoreline, of which I too grew up here, has bestowed upon the tribe through our council member, Paul Nelson. By way of formal introduction, and this is how we do in our culture. We say our name, Yahus Tops. Yahus Tobes teesta at the Duabs, you have eash Paul Nelshin, C E Ab at the Duwabs. That my name is Workman, and I am of the Duamish tribe. And my honored, esteemed friend Paul Nelson is also a Duamish tribal member.

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