Shoreline City Council Regular Meeting - March 23, 2026

The Shoreline City Council held a regular meeting on Monday, March 23, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber. The meeting covered routine approvals, public comments, appointments to the Planning Commission, and a study session on a proposed bond issuance for sidewalk and surface water projects. The meeting adjourned at 7:31 p.m.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes of February 9, 2026 – Approved.
• Approval of Expenses and Payroll as of February 20, 2026, in the Amount of $3,237,697.13 – Approved.
• Adoption of Ordinance No. 1053 – Amending salary range placement for Public Works reorganization – Approved.
• Adoption of Ordinance No. 1056 – Amending Municipal Code to reinstate an exemption for qualifying businesses from transportation impact fees – Approved.
• Authorize the City Manager to Execute the First Amendment to the DOWL Contract in the Amount of $183,287 – For right-of-way services on the Dayton Avenue N Sidewalk Project – Approved.
• Authorize the City Manager to Execute the Fire Training Exercise Agreement with the North King County Training Consortium – Approved.

The consent calendar was approved by a 5-0 vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Norbert Steele, Shoreline, commented on Agenda Item 7D (transportation impact fee exemption). He urged the council not to approve the exemption without data showing its benefit, stating it would “burn $400,000 a year” and suggested the money could be better used for IT infrastructure in Public Works.
• Kevin Atkinson, North City, thanked the council for prior support of the North City Station renovation project, noting that a $300,000 city grant combined with $275,000 in state funds will transform the corner into active community space. He reported that over 100 volunteers attended a recent cleanup event.
• Katie Lorah, Shoreline, echoed Mr. Atkinson’s thanks and highlighted the community enthusiasm for the project, stating that the volunteer turnout demonstrates momentum for creating public spaces with minimal cost and high community investment.

Action Items

Appointment of 2026 Members to the Shoreline Planning Commission

• Senior Planner Steve Szafran reported that 31 applications were received and 9 were interviewed by a council subcommittee. The subcommittee recommended appointing Leslie Brinson, Christopher Mosier, and Matthew Souza to four-year terms (April 1, 2026 – March 31, 2030), and Katie Lorah to a two-year term (April 1, 2026 – March 31, 2028) to fill the remainder of former Commissioner Fry’s term.
• Councilmember Scully noted a discrepancy between the slide presentation and the staff report regarding term lengths; the slide incorrectly showed all four-year terms, but the correct appointment (per the staff report) was adopted.
• Motion to appoint as recommended passed 5-0. Councilmembers Ademasu, Mork, and Scully praised the quality of all applicants.

Study Items

Discussion of Ordinance No. 1057 – Issuance of $38.36 Million in Limited Tax General Obligation Bonds for Sidewalk and Surface Water Improvements

• Administrative Services Director Joe Brandstatter presented the ordinance, which would authorize up to $38.36 million in LTGO bonds with a maximum interest rate of 4% and a final maturity of December 1, 2046. The funds would finance sidewalk projects ($30.8 million) and surface water utility improvements ($6 million).
• The ordinance also authorizes defeasance of the existing 2019B bonds and replaces unused debt authority from Ordinance 853.
• No new fees or sales tax increases are required; debt service will be paid from existing sources: the Transportation Benefit District (TBD) sales tax for sidewalks and ratepayer revenue for the surface water enterprise fund.
• Councilmembers asked about interest rate stability, market timing, and impact on the city’s credit rating. Brandstatter stated rates have ticked up but remain well within the 4% cap, and waiting would not provide meaningful benefit given the need for timely funding. He confirmed the city’s AA+ rating and adequate debt capacity.
• Deputy Mayor Pobee indicated the ordinance will be added to the April 6 Consent Calendar for adoption.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar approved unanimously (5-0).
• Planning Commission appointments: Leslie Brinson, Christopher Mosier, and Matthew Souza appointed for four-year terms; Katie Lorah appointed for a two-year term (all effective April 1, 2026). Motion passed 5-0.
• Ordinance No. 1057 (bond issuance) will be placed on the April 6 Consent Calendar for adoption. No vote was taken at this meeting.