Shoreline City Council Regular Meeting – December 9, 2024

The Shoreline City Council met on Monday, December 9, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber at City Hall. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Chris Roberts and adjourned at 8:27 p.m. Councilmember John Ramsdell was excused. The council approved the consent calendar unanimously, heard public comments, and discussed two major study items: an update on the Northshore and Shoreline Regional Fire Authority (RFA) plan, and a proposed ordinance to modify park impact fees.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the regular meeting minutes of November 25, 2024.
• Approved expenses and payroll as of December 2, 2024, in the amount of $2,989,424.61.
• Adopted Ordinance No. 1024, amending the utility tax relief program for residents.
• Adopted Ordinance No. 1025, expanding the wastewater low-income discount program.
• Adopted Resolution No. 535, amending the Employee Handbook.
• Authorized the City Manager to enter into an interlocal agreement with Kirkland for pooled human services funding.
• Authorized two-year contracts: $428,000 with Center for Human Services (2025-2026); $140,000 with Shoreline Historical Museum; $360,000 with Sound Generations for the Senior Center. All approved 6-0.

Public Comments & Testimony

• David Maehren, Kenmore resident and former North Shore Fire Commissioner (20 years), opposed the proposed RFA, arguing that the existing ILA already provides efficiency and local control. He stated that an RFA is “a bad idea” because it is permanent, may not reduce taxes, and removes accountability. He expressed concern that the current fire boards are dominated by firefighter interests and urged preserving contract-based services.
• Ethan Robinson, Advocacy and Policy Manager for Habitat for Humanity Seattle King & Kittitas Counties, spoke about parking minimums. He noted that even without requirements, Habitat often includes parking, and removing mandatory minimums allows flexibility to maximize affordable housing units.

Discussion Items

8a. Update on Northshore and Shoreline Regional Fire Authority Plan Fire Chief Matt Cowan presented the RFA proposal, emphasizing that it is a logical next step after the existing ILA (contract). He described operational, administrative, and financial benefits: an estimated $3 million in savings from eliminating duplicative carryover funds, better economies of scale, improved EMS transport revenues (GEMT program), and enhanced ability to maintain the WSRB insurance rating of 2 (top 2% in state). Under the RFA, the combined district would have a 10-member board (5 commissioners from each existing district) to ensure local representation, though the Shoreline district has a larger population (~61,000 vs. ~36,000). The fire benefit charge would be homogenized and require a simple majority for future renewals. Chief Cowan noted that 98% of property owners would see a decrease in overall fire taxes. Councilmembers asked about governance balance, facility maintenance costs, and integration of policies. Councilmember Scully highlighted operational flexibility as a key advantage; Councilmember Pobee requested a clearer governance structure. The discussion was informational, with a ballot measure planned for February 11, 2025.

8b. Discussion of Ordinance No. 1013 – Amending Chapter 3.70 (Park Impact Fees) Administrative Services Director Sara Lane and Senior Management Analyst Katrina Steinley presented proposed changes to park impact fees, required by recent state law to be based on square footage or bedrooms. Staff recommended a 25% reduction from the maximum allowable fees, resulting in rates: $5,802 for small homes (≤500 sq ft) and $6,947 for larger homes (≥2,000 sq ft), with a flat multifamily rate varying by unit size. The current flat rate is $5,524 per single-family unit. Staff also proposed exempting adult family homes (to align with transportation impact fee exemptions) and clarifying that remodels without added finished square footage are not charged. Councilmembers expressed concerns: Councilmember Scully worried about disincentivizing 3-4 bedroom apartments and wanted to adjust the smallest category threshold from 500 to 750 sq ft. Councilmember Ademasu suggested a category for units ~1,100-1,200 sq ft (typical 3-bedroom apartment). Councilmember Robertson questioned the logic of exempting adult family homes from park fees (historical revenue from such homes was only ~$2,600). Mayor Roberts raised issues about fees for converting garages to living space, noting that under the new structure, finishing a garage could trigger a fee if it pushes the home into a higher square footage tier. Councilmember Scully argued that fees should only apply when an additional dwelling unit is created, not for interior remodels. Staff noted that Department of Commerce guidance is expected in 2025. The council decided to bring the ordinance back for action on January 13, 2025, after staff explores options for categories.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar: Approved unanimously (6-0).
• RFA Plan: No action taken; discussion only. Ballot measure to be placed on February 11, 2025, special election.
• Park Impact Fees (Ordinance 1013): Continued to January 13, 2025, for action. Staff directed to explore adjusting fee categories (e.g., lower threshold raised to 750 sq ft) and consider whether fees should apply to interior remodels that do not add a dwelling unit. Adult family home exemption to be reconsidered in context of policy consistency.
• Next Meeting: The next regular council meeting is scheduled for December 16, 2024 (with the park impact fee item postponed to January 13).