Shoreline City Council Regular Meeting - June 22, 2026

The Shoreline City Council held a regular meeting on June 22, 2026, at 7:00 PM in the Council Chamber. The meeting included approval of the consent calendar, two public hearings (tree removal extension and property transfer to Seattle), and a study session on development fee cost recovery. Public comment focused on a recent immigration enforcement incident. The Council voted unanimously on the property transfer while the tree extension and fee study directions were deferred for future action.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the regular meeting minutes of May 11 and May 18, 2026.
• Approved expenses and payroll as of June 5, 2026, in the amount of $4,622,438.34.
• Adopted Ordinance No. 1060 authorizing the use of eminent domain for property at NE 175th Street and NE Serpentine Place for a stormwater facility.
• Adopted Resolution No. 564 authorizing two grant applications to the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office for park improvements.
• Authorized the City Manager to execute a professional services agreement with Atwell, LLC for $441,230 for the 155th Pavement Preservation project.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Oral Public Comment: Three residents (Nicole Solano, Norbert Steele, Jenny) expressed deep concern and distress about a civil immigration enforcement incident they witnessed on June 20, 2026, at the Gateway Shopping Center. They described armed, masked individuals confronting a woman, and urged the Council to take action to protect community members. Norbert Steele criticized the Council for inaction and called for resignation if unable to fight for resident safety.
• Written Public Comment: Two written comments were submitted for general public comment (Doris Taylor, Scott Menzies).
• Public Hearing on Ordinance No. 1062 (Tree Removal): One oral comment from Boni Biery, a Shoreline resident, who urged the Council to extend the tree protection, expand it citywide, and reduce the protected diameter from 60 to 48 inches. Written comments were submitted by Jonelle Kemmerling, Melanie Whitaker-Greyell, Nancy Morris, Susanne Tsoming (Save Shoreline Trees), and Boni Biery.
• Public Hearing on Resolution No. 565 (Property Transfer): No public testimony was offered.

Discussion Items

• Ordinance No. 1062 – Tree Removal Extension: The City Council held a public hearing on a six-month extension of interim regulations prohibiting the removal of trees 60 inches DBH or greater in TC3 and TC4 zones. Staff reported the regulations are needed while the tree code update is ongoing. Councilmembers expressed support for the extension, with Councilmember Scully noting only one specific tree is at stake and that a development proposal would preserve it. Councilmember Ademasu requested that staff explore expanding protections citywide and consider exemptions in the future. Councilmember Snider noted this is the fourth extension and urged expediting permanent protections. The Council agreed to place the ordinance on the Consent Calendar for the July 13 meeting.
• Resolution No. 565 – Property Transfer to Seattle: The Council held a public hearing on declaring surplus seven property portions (five parcels) purchased for just over $1 million from the 145th Corridor Phase 1 and 145th Interchange Projects. After the projects' completion, the improvements would be transferred to Seattle, which would assume maintenance. Councilmember Scully expressed support because the properties have no economic value. Staff noted they are negotiating a funding partnership agreement with Seattle that could provide $1 million for the interchange project and $1.5 million for future phases. The resolution was adopted 6-0.
• Planning & Community Development Fee Cost of Service Study: Staff and consultants from FCS Group presented the study, finding current cost recovery at 55%. They recommended a target of 75% by 2030 through a tiered approach, potentially generating $350,000 annually. Councilmembers expressed diverse views: Councilmember Mork supported moving closer to full cost recovery (up to 100%) and questioned the General Fund subsidy; Councilmember Scully opposed the increases, citing potential impacts on housing affordability and the cost of the study (approximately $100,000); Councilmember Snider supported higher recovery and noted technology and credit card fees not fully covered; Deputy Mayor Pobee suggested waiting for data from the new online permit system before deciding; Councilmember Ademasu proposed a 65% target or a longer timeline (10 years for 75%). Mayor Robertson favored simplification but remained undecided. No formal action was taken; staff will return with options.

Key Outcomes

• Resolution No. 565 (Property Transfer): Adopted unanimously (6-0). The City Manager is authorized to execute documents for the intergovernmental transfer to Seattle.
• Ordinance No. 1062 (Tree Removal Extension): The Council agreed to place the ordinance on a future Consent Calendar (July 13 meeting) for formal approval.
• Fee Study: Council provided policy direction but no consensus; staff will develop scenarios for future consideration during the budget process.
• Public Comment on Immigration: No formal Council action was taken in response to public comment.