Shoreline City Council Regular Meeting – February 23, 2026

The Shoreline City Council held a regular meeting on Monday, February 23, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber. Mayor Betsy Robertson presided. Councilmember Laura Mork was excused. The meeting included a proclamation of Lunar New Year – Year of the Horse, two action items (Resolution 560 on immigrant protection and Resolution 556 on the Public Art Policy), and a study item on automated traffic safety cameras in school zones. An executive session on litigation was also held. All votes were unanimous 6-0.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the Regular Meeting Minutes of January 26, 2026.
• Approved Expenses and Payroll as of February 6, 2026, in the amount of $6,353,281.62.
• Adopted the 2026 Comprehensive Plan Amendment Docket.
• Authorized the City Manager to execute the First Amendment to Memorandum of Agreement with Seattle Public Utilities for the NW Innis Arden Way Boeing Creek Culvert Replacement (Hidden Lake – Phase 2) project.
• Authorized the City Manager to enter into a subscription agreement with eCityGov Alliance for MyBuildingPermit.com.
• Consent Calendar item 7.C (Resolution 556) was pulled and became Action Item 8.B.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Save Shoreline Trees: Zanna Satterwhite presented maps showing tree canopy loss in over 50% of census block groups, with the largest losses in eastern Shoreline. Kathleen Russell reported that more than 4,860 trees have been removed since 2019, with many more unreported. Susanne Tsoming requested revisions to the Engineering Development Manual to require 5-foot sidewalks in residential neighborhoods.
• Dia Dreyer: Expressed concern that the Comprehensive Plan Docket should not be on the Consent Calendar and that public education on development is insufficient.
• Everton Drakes: Asked the Council to make the westbound lane on 175th Street a turn-only lane to improve pedestrian safety.
• Cindil Redick-Ponte: Urged approval of the updated Public Art Policy.
• Traffic Cameras (Ordinance 1055): Christopher Potter spoke in opposition but proposed that cameras be disabled outside school hours and independently verified. Jesse Mlezira and Molly Chapman spoke in support, citing pedestrian safety and community support (180 signatures). Shannon Collier opposed due to surveillance and privacy concerns.
• Resolution 560 Public Hearing: Multiple speakers expressed support but many called the resolution inadequate. Nicole Solano said it lacks material support. Norbert Steele said it is insufficient. Scott Menzies called for fascism preparedness plans. Some speakers thanked the Council for swift action. Mayor Robertson closed the hearing.

Discussion Items

• Resolution 560 – Immigrant Community Commitment: Sponsored by Councilmember Scully and Deputy Mayor Pobee. Staff report by Jim Hammond reaffirmed Shoreline as a safe and welcoming community. Councilmember Roberts proposed three amendments to strengthen language on city employee actions and legislative priorities. Mayor Robertson proposed a further amendment to change “collaborate with community members and organizations” to “City staff will develop and distribute signage and visual resources that affirm Shoreline as a welcoming and safe community for all,” which was approved 6-0. Councilmember Scully emphasized the need for clear reporting pathways and policies on federal misconduct. The resolution as amended passed 6-0.
• Resolution 556 – Public Art Policy: Linda Finch and Mylinda Sneed presented the updated policy, which embeds equity and anti-racism, expands eligible uses of the Art Fund for conservation, and modernizes donation and deaccession procedures. The Parks Board recommended approval unanimously. Councilmember Roberts questioned the deaccession process and noted the council should review large-value deaccessions. Deputy Mayor Pobee asked about expanding art beyond City Hall; staff noted 12 new installations under park bond projects. The resolution passed 6-0.
• Ordinance 1055 – Traffic Safety Cameras in School Zones: Kendra Dedinsky and Alan Budde presented the proposal for Meridian Park Elementary School zone. Key details: minimum fine $130 for violations up to 14 mph over, $260 for higher speeds; staff estimates ~4,000 tickets/year for revenue neutrality; cameras would only operate during school hours; vendor contract decisions pending. Councilmember Ademasu supported and asked for contract language to prohibit data sharing. Councilmember Scully opposed due to equity concerns; he suggested converting yellow lights to flashing red (not allowed currently). Deputy Mayor Pobee asked about incremental fine structures. Councilmember Roberts supported an ability-to-pay model and separating court fees from city fees. Councilmember Snider preferred road design changes over cameras. Mayor Robertson asked about 175th Street improvements (Phase I design ongoing, construction likely late 2027). Staff will investigate ability-to-pay models before the March 30 action date.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar approved 6-0.
• Resolution 560 adopted 6-0 with amendments.
• Resolution 556 adopted 6-0.
• Traffic camera ordinance discussion concluded; action scheduled for March 30, 2026. Staff will investigate ability-to-pay models and report back.
• Executive Session on litigation (RCW 42.30.110(1)(i)) held from 9:10 p.m. to 9:22 p.m.; meeting adjourned at 9:25 p.m.