Shoreline City Council Regular Meeting – January 13, 2025

The Shoreline City Council met on Monday, January 13, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber. The meeting included a proclamation, consent calendar approvals, public testimony, and action on three major items: an air quality grant for an e-bike program, a resolution supporting the formation of a Regional Fire Authority (RFA), and adoption of Ordinance 1027 updating the zoning map and development code to implement the 2024 Comprehensive Plan.

Consent Calendar

• Approved meeting minutes from December 2, 9, and 16, 2024.
• Approved expenses and payroll as of January 3, 2025, in the amount of $11,176,675.01.
• Authorized a contract with Skyhawks Sports Academy LLC for $400,000 for recreation programs (2025-2027).
• Authorized Amendment No. 7 to the Conservation Futures Interlocal Cooperation Agreement with King County for open space acquisition.
• Authorized an amendment to the design contract for Phase 1 of the N 175th Street Improvement Project for an additional $502,535.
• Adopted Resolution No. 539 amending the 2025 Wastewater Fee Schedule.
• Item 7(e) was pulled and moved to Action Item 8(a).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Jack Malek (Shoreline Chamber of Commerce) urged support for amendments expanding commercial use of vacant land and residential properties, specifically asking for 1,500–2,000 sq. ft. allowances on arterial-adjacent lots.
• David Guilland spoke in favor of the 175th Street redesign, wide sidewalks, car-free living, and the e-bike program, emphasizing affordability and climate action.
• Jonelle Kemmerling requested support for Amendment AM-5 to reduce hardscape percentages, citing climate and heat island concerns.
• Kathleen Russell (Tree Preservation Code Team) requested support for Amendments AM-9 and AM-10 to preserve 35% of significant trees on residential sites and retain trees 66 inches DBH and greater.
• Christopher Carter (Camp United We Stand) thanked the city for allowing the camp and invited the community to a stone soup event.
• Trish Woolcott expressed concern about tree retention strategies in the context of the city's tree preservation goals and the Pertit contract coordination.
• Boni Biery warned that higher hardscape coverage could reduce green space, increase taxes, and undermine the city's urban forest.
• Bob Seidman emphasized the importance of trees for oxygen and disease prevention, urging their maintenance.

Discussion Items

Action Item 8(a): Air Quality Grant (E-bike Program)

• Councilmember Ademasu recused herself due to her employment at the Washington State Department of Ecology.
• Staff presented a $670,893 grant from the Washington State Department of Ecology (Climate Commitment Act) for a program to improve air quality in overburdened communities. The grant must be expended by June 30, 2025. Approximately $500,000 is allocated for an e-bike rebate/purchase program targeting a specific eligible census block in Shoreline, with 100 e-bikes as a minimum target. Remaining funds cover safety equipment and outreach/workshops.
• Councilmember Scully expressed strong opposition, arguing the program is a giveaway that may not effectively reduce vehicle miles traveled and could create dissatisfaction among residents who do not receive bikes.
• Councilmember Ramsdell questioned the cost ($5,000 per bike) and staff explained that safety equipment and outreach are included, and they will purchase as many bikes as possible within the $500,000.
• Councilmember Pobee supported the grant, citing alignment with the Climate Action Plan and equitable distribution.
• Deputy Mayor Mork supported the grant but requested staff consider broader climate action projects for future opportunities.
• The motion passed 4-1 (Scully opposed).

Action Item 8(b): Resolution No. 538 – Supporting Regional Fire Authority

• City Manager Ellington reviewed the proposal for the Shoreline Fire Department Regional Fire Authority (RFA) on the February 11, 2025 special election ballot, requiring a supermajority for approval.
• Three public commenters supported the RFA: Philippa Kassover (former LFP councilmember) urged equitable representation; Erik Ingraham (Shoreline Firefighters Local 1760) highlighted improved services; Corina Pfeil (Kenmore) noted benefits for insurance, infrastructure, and savings.
• Councilmembers discussed advantages (regional stability, cost savings of ~$3 million by 2026) and concerns about the 10-member board (5 each from Shoreline and North Shore) with Shoreline’s larger population. Chief Matt Cowan explained that changing governance structure would require a public vote.
• The resolution passed 5-0 (Mayor Roberts abstained).

Action Item 8(c): Ordinance No. 1027 – Zoning Map and Development Code Amendments

• Staff presented amendments to implement the 2024 Comprehensive Plan, covering clarifying provisions, permit streamlining, residential parking, emergency housing, and middle housing.
• Council considered 16+ amendments. Key amendments and votes:
  • AM-2 (Ademasu): Increase ADU size to 1,200 sq. ft. – Passed 6-0.
  • AM-4 (Mork): Table amendment – Passed 6-0.
  • AM-23 (Mork): ADUs counted in density calculations – Passed 6-0.
  • AM-5 (Scully): Cap total impervious surface at 50% in NR zones (except NR1 reduced to 75%) – Passed 6-0.
  • AM-6 (Ademasu, amended by Scully): Increase neighborhood commercial max to 1,200 sq. ft., with existing buildings up to 2,000 sq. ft. – Passed 6-0.
  • AM-8 (Mork): Prohibit businesses on dead-end streets/courts – Passed 5-1 (Ramsdell no).
  • AM-9 (Ademasu): Require 35% retention of significant trees citywide – Passed 6-0.
  • AM-10 (Ademasu): Fee in lieu for trees ≥24" DBH with affordable housing tie – Failed 2-3-1 (Ademasu, Pobee yes; Scully, Ramsdell, Roberts no; Mork abstain).
  • AM-11 (Scully, amended): Strike cottage housing tree retention, and replace with citywide fee for removal of trees ≥24" DBH – Passed 6-0.
  • AM-15 (Mork): Frontage improvements based on total assessed value of land and improvements – Passed 5-1 (Scully no).
  • AM-18–22 (Mork batch): Cleanup items for zoning map changes – Passed 6-0.
  • AM-24/25 (withdrawn by Roberts after concerns).
• Councilmember Ramsdell announced he will introduce an emergency ordinance at the January 27 meeting to protect trees 60" DBH or greater.
• The main motion, as amended, passed 6-0.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar approved (6-0).
• Air Quality Grant for e-bike program accepted (4-1) – City Manager authorized to execute agreement with Washington State Department of Ecology for $670,893.
• Resolution No. 538 supporting RFA adopted (5-0, 1 abstention) – Council formally supports Proposition 1 on February 11, 2025 ballot.
• Ordinance No. 1027 adopted (6-0) – Updates zoning map and development code with several amendments, including increased ADU size, 50% hardscape cap, 35% tree retention, and a citywide fee for removal of trees 24" DBH and larger.
• Tree preservation: Councilmember Ramsdell and Ademasu will propose an emergency ordinance on January 27, 2025.
• Future action: Staff to return on February 24, 2025, for early feedback on elimination of parking minimums.