Shoreline City Council Regular Meeting – July 14, 2025

The Shoreline City Council met on Monday, July 14, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber. The meeting included approval of a consent calendar, two action items (youth board appointments and extension of interim tree regulations), and a study item on proposed truck regulations. All votes were unanimous (7-0) where taken.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the regular meeting minutes of June 2 and June 9, 2025.
• Approved expenses and payroll as of July 3, 2025, in the amount of $6,650,116.42.
• Authorized the City Manager to execute an amendment with BERK for $165,860 for planning and environmental review services for the Light Rail Stations Planned Action Areas Update.
• Authorized an amendment with Lumifi Fiber (formerly Critical Insight) for $14,085 (total contract $184,698.63).
• Authorized a Memorandum of Agreement with Seattle Public Utilities for the 8th Avenue NW Project.
• Authorized an amendment with Facet for $287,408 for critical area services for the Parks Bond Project.
• Authorized an 18-month contract with Sound Generations for $145,000 to provide mental health services at the Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Senior Center.

The consent calendar was approved 7-0.

Public Comments & Testimony

• David Guilland, Shoreline resident, expressed opposition to the interim tree regulations (Ordinance 1036), arguing that more housing units should be built and the ordinance interferes with that goal.
• Kathleen Russell, on behalf of Safe Shoreline Trees, discussed recent and planned tree removal at the Fircrest property. She noted that the Hearing Examiner required 80% of trees to be saved/retained on campus and an annual tree inventory be provided to the city, calling this an example of what is possible.
• Matthew DeAngelis, Meridian Park neighborhood, urged Council to refer to the Climate Action Plan (which reports 44% of emissions from transportation and 23% from residential heating) and the Economic Development Strategy, rather than enacting blanket bans on tree removal. He emphasized the need for walkable neighborhoods, reduced car dependency, and denser housing.

Action Items

8A – Youth Board Appointments

• The Council waived Council Rule 2.4, A through E, and reappointed Nainoa Witwer and appointed Angelina Vaughn as youth members to the Shoreline Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services/Tree Board for the term July 15, 2025, through June 30, 2026. The motion carried 7-0.

8B – Ordinance No. 1036 – Extension of Interim Tree Regulations

• The Council adopted Ordinance No. 1036, extending for six months the interim regulations prohibiting removal of trees with a diameter at breast height of 60 inches or greater within the Town Center 3 and Town Center 4 zoning districts. The extension protects very large trees while the city updates its tree code. The motion carried 7-0.
• Councilmember Ademasu spoke about historical tree loss in the Cascadia region. Councilmember Scully noted the need for balance between environmental goals and density, and expressed belief that the city will likely work toward permanent protection of very large trees.
• Senior Planner Sierra Carson outlined the public outreach plan for the comprehensive tree code update, including formation of a 10-to-12-member advisory group with an online application opening later in summer 2025.

Discussion Items

9A – Ordinance No. 1038 – Truck Regulations

• Staff presented a proposed ordinance establishing designated truck routes for vehicles over 20,000 gross vehicle weight, prohibiting them from non-designated streets except for local deliveries or with a city permit. The ordinance aims to protect streets not built for heavy loads and ensure safety.
• Council discussed enforcement mechanisms. Code enforcement would apply through the permitting process, but moving violations by police were not included. Councilmember Scully raised concerns about uneven enforcement and unfair penalization of businesses. Councilmembers asked about parking regulations, permit requirements, and exemptions for utility providers.
• Staff indicated that signage would be installed at key entry points. No vote was taken; the item will return for action at a future meeting.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar approved 7-0, including $6,650,116.42 in expenses/payroll and multiple contract amendments.
• Youth board appointments approved 7-0.
• Ordinance No. 1036 (tree protections) adopted 7-0 for a six-month extension.
• Ordinance No. 1038 (truck regulations) discussed; will be brought back for action after further refinement.
• Meeting adjourned at 7:52 p.m.