The Shoreline City Council held a regular meeting on Monday, January 5, 2026, at 7:00 PM in the Council Chamber. The meeting began with an oath of office ceremony for four newly elected councilmembers, followed by the election of the Mayor and Deputy Mayor, a proclamation for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and unanimous approval of an 11-item consent calendar. The Council also appointed Amber Clark to the Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services/Tree Board and discussed an update to fire impact fees (Ordinance 1052). Public comment addressed speeding concerns in Richmond Beach.
Good evening. My name is Jessica Sumelchak Smith, and I'm the city clerk, and I will be calling to order the City Council regular meeting for January 5th, 2026. The first order of business this evening is the oath of office for newly elected council members, which is going to be performed by district shoreline district court judge martinez. So Judge Martinez, if you'd like to step up to the podium. And all the newly elected council members, please uh join Judge Martinez down at the podium. And we're going to do this in order of position. So Valerie's first, Laura second, Councilmember Povey is third, and Councilmember Roberts is fourth. Well, good evening. When I administer public service authors, I like to start with a quote that reminds us of what it means to serve. There are many insightful and inspiring quotes regarding service, including one by Booker T. Washington, who famously and very simply said, those who are happiest are those who do the most for others. But in this universe of great quotes regarding service, there is one that I believe stands above the others. The words of Martin Luther King Jr. I believe best convey the importance and the essence of what it means to serve. He said, Life's most persistent and urgent question is, what are you doing for others? Life's most persistent and urgent question is what are you doing for others? This evening, four individuals will answer this important question by taking an oath to serve our wonderfully diverse shoreline community as stewards of its local government. Some have taken the oath before and will be doing so again tonight for an additional term. Each is promising to give their time and talents toward effective local government. Each is promising to uphold and maintain constitutional and local laws. Each is promising to contribute toward a vision and then doing what it takes to help us get there. In return, they may receive what so many of these great service quotes often refer to. The purpose, fulfillment, and even joy that comes with a life lived in service to others. And all of you who serve in whatever way you can. Thank you for doing the hard work of keeping Shoreline moving forward and for your commitment to public service. All right, let's proceed with the oaths. Please raise your right hand and repeat after me. I, Valerie Snyder, having been duly elected. I, Valerie Snyder, having been duly elected. To the Office of City of Shoreline Council Position number one. To the Office of City Shoreline City Council Position number one. Do solemnly swear. Do solemnly swear. That I will faithfully and impartially that I will faithfully and impartially discharge and perform the duties of this office. Discharge and perform the duties of this office. As prescribed by law and to the best of my ability. As prescribed by law and the best of my ability. And that I will support and maintain. And that I will support and maintain the Constitution of the United States of America and the State of Washington. The Constitution of the United States of America and Washington. And the ordinances of the City of Shoreline. And the ordinance of the city of Shoreline. Congratulations. Thank you. Please raise your right hand and repeat after me. I Laura Morgan, having been duly elected. I Laura Moore, having been duly elected. To the Office of City of Shoreline, Council Position number two. To the is it, I think I'm three. You're right.