Shoreline City Council Regular Meeting - October 13, 2025

The Shoreline City Council met on Monday, October 13, 2025 at 7:00 PM in the Council Chamber at City Hall. The meeting was called to order by Deputy Mayor Laura Mork. All seven council members were present. The council approved the consent calendar, adopted a resolution designating Akropong, Ghana as a sister city, and discussed a proposed protected bike lane project on N 200th Street.

Consent Calendar

• Approved workshop dinner meeting minutes of August 11, 2025, regular meeting minutes of September 8, 2025, and September 15, 2025.
• Approved expenses and payroll as of September 26, 2025 in the amount of $12,153,327.48.
• Adopted Resolution No. 549 approving the 2025-2030 Surface Water Master Plan.
• Adopted Resolution No. 553 adopting the 2025-2030 Shoreline Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex.
• Authorized the City Manager to execute a third amendment to the contract with ABLE in the amount of $723,155 for park project designs.
• The consent calendar was approved by a 7-0 vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

• David Guilland (Shoreline) spoke about bike infrastructure on 180th Street to improve safety and connectivity, suggesting that protected bike lanes on 200th might not be the highest priority.
• Gordon Black (Edmonds, North Sound Bicycle Advocates) suggested pausing development for further studies on the Edmonds-Shoreline connection, given limited budgets.
• Margaret Elwood (Edmonds, North Sound Bicycle Advocates) expressed support for safer bicycling infrastructure, especially for children, but noted the 200th Street project only covers two blocks.
• Patrick Deagen (Shoreline) shared suggestions for placement of a dock at West Echo Lake Park, questioning the use of funds for a study.
• Jonathan Garner (Shoreline) commented that the bicycle infrastructure plan focuses on upgrading existing facilities rather than addressing areas lacking any infrastructure.
• Boni Biery (Shoreline, Save Shoreline Trees) expressed support for the bicycle infrastructure plan but requested a tree removal report and tree replacement plan before project funding.
• David Stygstra (Shoreline) advocated for protected bike lanes everywhere, noting a distracted driver hit his friend that morning.
• Tina Huang (Shoreline) raised concerns about lack of city oversight for housing fees and HOA violations, recounting personal experience with toxic mold and lack of recourse.

Additionally, two speakers addressed the sister city item:

• Laura James (Shoreline Sister City Association President) expressed support, noting growing community engagement and the possibility of hosting Ghana's national soccer team for the 2026 World Cup.
• Kathleen Russell (Shoreline) expressed support for the sister city designation, highlighting cultural exchange benefits.

Action Items

Resolution No. 554 - Designating Akropong, Ghana as Sister City

• Staff report by City Clerk Jessica Simulcik Smith reviewed the formation of the Shoreline Sister City Association and the criteria met by Akropong.
• Councilmember Eben Pobee moved to approve, seconded by Councilmember Betsy Robertson.
• Council discussion highlighted cultural and educational exchange opportunities. Councilmember Scully noted the importance of engaging subcommunities. Councilmember Pobee emphasized educational exchange and that Shoreline can have multiple sister cities.
• The motion carried 7-0.

Study Items

Discussion of the N 200th Street Interurban Trail Connection Protected Bike Lanes

• Sponsored by Councilmembers Scully and Ramsdell.
• City Traffic Engineer Kendra Dedinsky presented two options: a one-way protected bike lane (estimated $390,000) and a two-way protected bike lane (estimated $1.16 million). The one-way option is technically preferred and does not impact trees; the two-way option could affect trees and is less intuitive for drivers.
• No specific outreach has been conducted. Project design would not begin until at least 2028 if funded.
• Councilmember Ramsdell expressed support for the one-way option, emphasizing safety and connectivity for families. He cited studies showing 400-460% ridership increases with protected bike lanes.
• Councilmember Ademasu asked about maintenance (mini sweeper), costs not influenced by width, crossing design at intersections, and tree impacts. She noted the $390,000 is significant for two blocks and must be weighed against other priorities like affordable housing.
• Councilmember Scully framed the discussion as part of the mid-biennium budget amendment process, noting that surplus funds must be allocated to specific projects. He shared personal experience biking with his children and the danger at this gap.
• Councilmember Robertson expressed appreciation for the discussion but indicated uncertainty about whether this is the right project given other needs (180th, 10th, light rail connections).
• Deputy Mayor Mork asked about garbage collection and parking removal; Ms. Dedinsky explained parking would be removed and garbage collection would need coordination with Recology.
• Councilmember Pobee clarified that design would be in 2028, not construction, and asked about relationship to the proposed SR 104 bridge. Ms. Dedinsky stated the bike lanes would not be wasted even if the bridge route changes, as they serve local destinations.
• Mayor Roberts expressed support for the mini sweeper and for protected bike lanes in general but remained unconvinced this is the right time or location, noting other corridors lack any bike infrastructure.

Key Outcomes

• Consent calendar approved unanimously (7-0).
• Resolution No. 554 designating Akropong, Ghana as a sister city approved unanimously (7-0).
• The bike lane discussion was informational; no vote was taken. A potential mid-biennium budget amendment for the one-way protected bike lane project ($390,000) will be considered at a future meeting alongside other priorities. Councilmembers indicated competing demands for surplus funds.