Public Meetings - Shoreline, Washington

The Shoreline Planning Commission met on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber at City Hall. Chair Leslie Brinson called the meeting to order, with Commissioners Bradley Cabe, Lauren Hadley, Mei-shiou Lin, Julie Povick, and Colt Fry present; Vice Chair Christopher Mosier was excused. The main agenda item was a discussion on the proposed 2026 Comprehensive Plan Docket, which included six potential amendments. After public testimony and deliberation, the Commission voted unanimously to recommend all six amendments to the City Council for further study. Public Comments & Testimony Seven members of the public spoke, and 44 written comments were submitted. - Milena Mast (Shoreline, 11th Avenue NW) expressed support for Amendment 5 (density reduction), citing safety concerns from narrow streets, lack of parking, proximity to a seasonal stream, and pedestrian hazards on 190th Street. She urged the Commission to lower the allowed density. - Neal Woods (Shoreline, 11th Avenue NW) supported Amendment 5 and proposed moving the NR2/NR3 boundary to 10th Avenue NW to make the entire street uniformly zoned. He presented a visual showing a potential 23-unit development on a neighboring lot, arguing it would overwhelm the narrow dead-end street. - Kathleen Russell (Shoreline) asked for clarification on the process and timeline for Amendment 6 (Neighborhood Greenways Program) if approved by Council, including funding and next steps. - David Stygstra (Shoreline) urged the Commission to add Amendment 6 to the docket, noting that he regularly uses greenways in North Seattle for biking and walking, and a similar network in Shoreline would be a valuable asset. - Darren Chang (Shoreline, architect with 18 years of experience) expressed concern about the new development code's fenestration requirements (30% on primary facades, 15% on others), arguing they create privacy challenges and increase construction costs. He urged the Commission to lower those requirements in future code amendments. - Peter Schmitz (Shoreline, 11th Avenue NW) echoed concerns about proposed zoning changes, emphasizing the family-oriented character of the street and the risk that increased density could undermine the neighborhood's quality of life. - Todd Greenwood (Shoreline) supported lower density on their street, asking for thoughtful planning to maintain neighborhood integrity. Discussion Items Senior Planner Steve Szafran presented the six proposed amendments: 1. Adopt the Surface Water Master Plan. 2. Update the Town Center Subarea Plan. 3. Update the 145th Street Station Subarea Plan for multimodal connectivity. 4. Update the 185th Street Station Subarea Plan for connectivity and non-residential land use flexibility. 5. Change the land use designation of an area on 11th Avenue NW from Neighborhood Residential 2 (NR2) to Neighborhood Residential 3 (NR3). 6. Add a new Neighborhood Greenways Program to the Transportation Element. Staff recommended Amendments 1–4 for inclusion on the docket and asked the Commission to discuss Amendments 5 and 6. Chair Brinson requested a procedural overview; Senior Planner Szafran and Transportation Manager Kendra Dedinsky explained that the docket is a list of potential amendments to be studied, and that inclusion does not guarantee funding or adoption. Amendment 5 (11th Avenue NW zoning change): Commissioner Fry acknowledged residents' concerns but expressed confidence in existing regulations (stream buffers, steep slopes) and supported further study. Chair Brinson raised equity concerns, noting that singling out one block could overlook other neighborhoods, especially after the citywide Comprehensive Plan process. Commissioner Povick agreed and suggested a broader study, including a mockup of a street built to maximum capacity to visualize impacts. Commissioner Cabe asked how a broader study would affect timing. Director Andrew Bauer cautioned that expanding to a citywide study could take multiple years and strain staff capacity, given the three subarea plan updates already underway. The Commission generally agreed that the issue was complex but worthy of further analysis within the proposed specific area. Amendment 6 (Neighborhood Greenways): Commissioner Cabe asked about existing greenways; Dedinsky explained that 17th Avenue NE was a surface water project with traffic calming features, and other streets have chicanes, speed humps, or signed bike routes. She noted the term

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. Consent Calendar - The Council unanimously approved 11 items on the consent calendar (motion 7-0): approval of meeting minutes from November 24, December 1, and December 8, 2025; adoption of Ordinance No. 1051 extending interim tree protections (60-inch DBH and greater) in Town Center 3 and 4 districts; authorization for a King County Flood Control District grant agreement for the NE 175th Street/10th Avenue NE Flood Reduction Project; a construction contract with Strider Construction Co., Inc. ($4,573,803) for the NW Innis Arden Way Boeing Creek Culvert Replacement (Hidden Lake Phase 2); a professional services agreement with DOWL, LLC ($292,624) for the 200th Street and 25th Avenue Sidewalks Project; assumption of a Multifamily Housing Limited Property Tax Exemption contract by 15560 Westminster Way, LLC; the Parks Property Tax Levy Agreement with King County; Amendment No. 8 to the interlocal agreement for Conservation Futures open space purchases; Amendment No. 1 to the artist services contract with Andrea Wilbur Sigo for a sculpture at Brugger’s Bog Park; a three-year interlocal agreement with Lake Forest Park for enhanced recreation services; and an amendment to the design contract with Perteet, Inc. ($534,930) for Phase 1 of the N 175th Street (Stone Way N to I-5) Improvements Project. Public Comments & Testimony - Wayne McDonald, a Shoreline resident from the Richmond Beach area, spoke on behalf of his neighborhood about excessive speeding on 15th NW between Richmond Beach Road and 188th Street. He reported vehicles traveling 40–50 mph in a 25 mph zone, noted limited and obscured signage (one speed sign covered by branches and moss), and recommended a lighted speed sign or speed bumps. He also highlighted illegal parking forcing pedestrians onto the roadway. Discussion Items - Oath of Office and Council Organization: Shoreline District Court Judge Raul Martinez administered the oath of office to newly elected Councilmembers Valerie Snider (Position 1), Laura Mork (Position 3), Eben Pobee (Position 5), and Christopher Roberts (Position 7). Following the flag salute and roll call, the Council elected Betsy Robertson as Mayor (7-0) and Eben Pobee as Deputy Mayor (7-0; Councilmember Mork received 3 votes). Mayor Robertson then proclaimed January 19, 2026, as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Shoreline and urged residents to work to end racism and fight for justice. - City Manager’s Report: Bristol Ellington reported on upcoming events: a Tuesday walk group on January 6, a citywide neighborhood gathering on January 8 at City Hall, and a design workshop for Edwin Pratt Memorial Park (all ages welcome). - Council Reports: Mayor Robertson announced a Shoreline Chamber event on January 29 (“From Data to Dollars: Preparing Businesses for FIFA 2026”) and solicited councilmember interest in serving on a subcommittee to review Planning Commission applications. - Action Item – Appointment of Amber Clark: Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services Director Mary Reidy explained that an unexpected vacancy occurred after a board member relocated out of state. The council subcommittee reviewed the spring 2025 applicant pool and recommended Amber Clark. The Council appointed Ms. Clark for a term beginning January 5, 2026, and expiring March 31, 2029 (motion 7-0). - Study Item – Ordinance No. 1052 (Fire Impact Fees): Fire Chief Matt Cowan (accompanied by Fire Marshal Ryan Burgess) presented an update to the city’s fire impact fee schedule. The Regional Fire Authority cannot directly impose fees; the city established fees in 2018 under RCW 82.02. A 2025 law change requires a proportionate decrease for smaller residential units. The proposed new rate is $1.34 per square foot, combining single-family and multifamily into one residential category. Cowan noted this results in a slight decrease for single-family homes and a marked decrease for multifamily. Councilmember Scully confirmed that rejecting the ordinance would eliminate the fee. Councilmember Ademasu asked why medium-risk commercial has a lower per-square-foot fee than low-risk commercial; Cowan explained differences in response complexity and unit allocation. The item is scheduled for formal action on January 26, 2026, and may be placed on the consent calendar. Key Outcomes - Elections: Councilmember Betsy Robertson elected Mayor (7-0). Councilmember Eben Pobee elected Deputy Mayor (7-0). - Minutes and Consent Calendar: All consent calendar items approved unanimously (7-0). - Board Appointment: Amber Clark appointed to the Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services/Tree Board (7-0) for a term ending March 31, 2029. - Fire Impact Fees: Discussion held on Ordinance No. 1052; formal adoption slated for January 26, 2026, likely as a consent item. - Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 7:31 PM.

The Shoreline City Council held its regular meeting on Monday, December 15, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber at Shoreline City Hall. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Chris Roberts. Councilmember Betsy Robertson was excused. Notable actions included recognition of outgoing Councilmember John Ramsdell, approval of a hazardous tree removal fee waiver, updates to critical areas regulations, and discussion of the 2024 Annual Traffic Report. The council also held a 10-minute executive session on potential litigation and voted to authorize legal action against the U.S. Department of Transportation regarding a RAISE grant agreement. Consent Calendar - Approved by a 6-0 vote (Deputy Mayor Mork moved, Councilmember Pobee seconded). Items included: - Minutes of October 27 and November 10, 2025 workshop dinners, and November 17, 2025 regular meeting. - Amendment 4 with Atwell, LLC for the Midblock Crossing and Citywide RRFB and RSS Project ($47,730). - Memorandums of Agreement with Seattle Public Utilities, King County, and Town of Woodway for utility work related to the Barnacle Creek Culvert Replacement Project. - Amendment 1 with Stewart, MacNichols, Harmell, Inc., PS for public defense services. - Adoption of Ordinance No. 1050, increasing the Shoreline Transportation Benefit District vehicle license fee by $10, for a total annual fee of $50. Public Comments & Testimony - Sanjay Batton (Shoreline): Requested traffic safety measures at 175th and Meridian Park, including more visible speed limit signs. - Dave Guilland (Shoreline): Criticized low traffic citation numbers and alleged police SUVs driving in bus lanes and disregarding traffic laws. - Bob Danson (Olympic View Water and Sewer District): Urged the city to identify the wellhead protection area buffer as a critical aquifer recharge area in the Critical Areas Ordinance, stating the current draft does not provide adequate protections. - Mathew DeAngelis (Shoreline): Urged quick, innovative solutions for cyclist safety rather than relying solely on capital projects; suggested looking at Seattle's Healthy Streets model. - Heidi Shephard (Shoreline): Thanked Councilmember Ramsdell for his support of age-friendly communities and mental health services; presented him with a certificate and harmonica. - Oliver Moffet (Shoreline): Urged the city to adopt a Target Zero ordinance to end traffic violence; cited low-cost quick-build options from WSDOT. - Boni Beiry (Shoreline Tree Code Preservation Team, public hearing on Ordinance 1051): Supported extending the interim tree removal regulations and requested expansion citywide. - Kathleen Russell (public hearing on Resolution 558): Supported the fee waiver for hazardous tree removal, stating the $3,325 fee is a burden for exempt trees. - Patricia Weber (public hearing on Resolution 558): Opposed the resolution, arguing it weakens tree canopy protections and could lead to abuse; suggested a second arborist opinion or sliding scale. Discussion Items - Recognition of Outgoing Councilmember John Ramsdell: Mayor Roberts highlighted Ramsdell’s service, including championing Westminster Triangle Park improvements, mental health counseling for low-income seniors, and support for the park bond. Ramsdell thanked the council, staff, and community for their collaboration. - Public Hearing – Ordinance 1051 (Extension of Interim Tree Removal Regulations): Sierra Carson, Senior Planner, presented a six-month extension of the interim ban on removing trees ≥60 inches DBH in TC3 and TC4 zones, set to expire January 27, 2026. Public testimony by Boni Beiry supported extension and citywide application. The council scheduled the item for a January 5, 2026 consent vote. - Resolution 558 – Hazardous Tree Removal Fee Waiver: Sierra Carson explained that the waiver applies to trees with a high or extreme hazard rating (as assessed by a qualified arborist) to ease the burden on homeowners. After public comment, Councilmember Pobee moved approval. Councilmember Scully expressed hesitation about including a three-tree-per-year exemption, hoping future tree code updates balance preservation and property rights. The motion carried 6-0. - Ordinance 1045 – Critical Areas Regulations Update: Planning Manager Elise Keim reviewed updates: new 200-foot riparian management zones, native species requirements, tracking one-time expansions via title covenants, and clarification of “physically separated and functionally isolated” areas. Council discussed wellhead protection area concerns raised by Olympic View Water and Sewer District. Staff proposed addressing deep underground injection control prohibitions in the stormwater code in Q1 2026, with an interim MOU. Councilmember Scully moved to adopt the ordinance as amended by staff’s clarification language. The main motion carried 6-0. Council also agreed to revisit wellhead protection in early 2026. - 2024 Annual Traffic Report: Kendra Dedinsky, Transportation Manager, presented the report. Key data: total crashes increased compared to prior years, but fatal/serious injury crashes dropped to 8 in 2024. Bike crashes reached a 10-year high. Pedestrian injury crashes decreased but remain a focus. Enforcement: traffic citations still low but rising; police added two traffic officers (one DUI dedicated). The city will bring an automated enforcement policy to council in Q1 2026. Councilmember Pobee asked about pedestrian injury factors (speed, distraction, DUI). Councilmember Ramsdell called for protected bike lanes on 185th Street. Mayor Roberts emphasized speed reduction to achieve zero fatalities. Key Outcomes - Consent Calendar approved 6-0. - Resolution 558 (hazardous tree removal fee waiver) adopted 6-0. - Ordinance 1045 (critical areas regulations) adopted as amended 6-0; council to revisit wellhead protection area regulations in Q1 2026. - Ordinance 1051 (interim tree regulations extension) placed on January 5, 2026 consent calendar. - Executive Session held from 9:25 p.m. to 9:33 p.m. for potential litigation (RCW 42.30.110(1)(i)). Following session, council voted 6-0 to authorize the city manager to pursue all legal remedies to challenge the U.S. Department of Transportation’s unilateral amendment to the FY2023 RAISE grant agreement for the West Side Transformation project. - Meeting adjourned at 9:36 p.m.

The Shoreline City Council held a regular meeting on December 8, 2025, at 7:00 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting included approval of the consent calendar, council and city manager reports, and a study item discussion on increasing the vehicle license fee. No public comment was received. Consent Calendar - Approved the Regular Meeting Minutes of November 10, 2025. - Approved Expenses and Payroll as of November 21, 2025, in the amount of $9,592,483.00. - Adopted Ordinance No. 1049, amending Shoreline Municipal Code Chapter 3.22 regarding Business and Occupation Tax classifications. - Authorized the City Manager to purchase a slope mower for Parks and Public Works operations in the amount of $350,375.34. - The consent calendar was approved by a unanimous 7-0 vote. Discussion Items - Ordinance No. 1050 - Vehicle License Fee Increase: Transportation Manager Kendra Dedinsky and Administrative Services Director Joseph Brandstatter presented a proposal to increase the Shoreline Transportation Benefit District vehicle license fee by $10, from $40 to $50 per vehicle per year. The current $40 fee generates approximately $1.7 million annually, split between sidewalk and road repair. The increase would generate an estimated additional $415,000 per year, intended primarily for road surface maintenance. Council discussed the rising costs of deferred maintenance, the regressive nature of a flat fee, and the impact of inflation. Staff recommended adoption, noting that a public petition could trigger a vote, which would delay implementation. Key Outcomes - The consent calendar (items A-D) was adopted unanimously (7-0). - Council discussed Ordinance No. 1050 and expressed general support for the increase to maintain road conditions. Mayor Roberts stated the ordinance would be placed on the consent calendar for the December 15, 2025, meeting for formal adoption, barring any objections.

The Shoreline Planning Commission met on Thursday, December 4, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber at Shoreline City Hall. The primary agenda item was a study session on the Light Rail Subarea Plans, including updates to the Planned Action Ordinances and connectivity improvements. Commissioners reviewed growth trends, discussed multimodal connectivity priorities, and provided direction for the upcoming public engagement and environmental analysis. No public comment was received. Consent Calendar - The agenda was approved as presented. - The draft minutes of the November 20, 2025, regular meeting were approved as presented. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public signed up to speak. Discussion Items - Light Rail Subarea Plans Update – Senior Planner Cate Lee presented an overview of the history, current growth thresholds, and goals for the plan update. Key points included: - The 145th Street Station has less than a quarter of housing units left in the Planned Action threshold; the 185th Station has about a third remaining. - The update aims to extend the Planned Action environmental review, improve multimodal connectivity, and evaluate a zoning overlay concept for the 185th area north of NE 185th Street between 1st and 5th Avenues NE. - Connectivity challenges were highlighted: long blocks, dead-end streets, and a lack of cohesive bike/pedestrian networks. The current code does not require connections for properties below a 250-foot threshold, and does not differentiate connection types. - Commissioners discussed the relationship between housing units in the Comprehensive Plan and subarea capacity, the scale of recent development (townhouses vs. multifamily), and the need for clearer guidance for developers. - Chair Brinson noted that the 185th Station parking lot is full by 8 a.m. and raised concerns about spillover parking into neighborhoods, suggesting this be addressed in community engagement. - Commissioner Lin emphasized the need for improved bike connectivity, especially east-west on 175th, and suggested reaching out to residents in existing large developments for feedback. - Vice Chair Mosier proposed prioritizing alleys and dedicated bike paths separated from major roads. - Commissioner Fry supported alleyways for trash truck access and a map of future connections to provide predictability for developers. - Director Andrew Bauer advised keeping the scope focused on transportation and connectivity, rather than reopening land use regulations citywide. Reports & Announcements - The next regular meeting of December 18, 2025, was canceled, as was the January 1, 2026, meeting. The next scheduled meeting is January 15, 2026, to discuss the 2026 Comprehensive Plan docket amendments. Key Outcomes - The Planning Commission provided feedback on connectivity priorities, including support for alleyways, dedicated bike lanes, and a clear map of future connections to be incorporated into the development code. - Staff will use the commission's input to inform the public engagement strategy and the scope of the Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS). - The commission confirmed the meeting schedule: no meetings on December 18 or January 1; next meeting January 15, 2026. - The meeting was adjourned at 7:52 p.m.

The Shoreline City Council held a regular meeting on December 1, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber at City Hall. The meeting included approval of the consent calendar, discussion and action on the 2025 Development Code Batch Amendments, and an executive session regarding potential litigation. No public comments were offered. Consent Calendar - Approved by unanimous consent (7-0) the following items: - Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes of November 3, 2025 - Adoption of Ordinance No. 1046 – Adopting the 2025 Comprehensive Plan Annual Docket Amendments - Adoption of Resolution No. 555 – Amending the Employee Handbook Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public signed up to speak or appeared to provide comment. Discussion Items - Action on Ordinance No. 1047 – 2025 Development Code Batch Amendments: Senior Planner Steve Szafran presented the staff report. The council had previously discussed the amendments on November 10, 2025, and was in general agreement except for the issue of vinyl-coated chain-link fencing. The Planning Commission recommended approval of the code amendments as drafted. Councilmember Scully moved to approve the ordinance as recommended by the Planning Commission, and Councilmember Pobee seconded. The main motion was tabled to allow a separate amendment proposed by Mayor Roberts, which Councilmember Scully moved: to amend SMC 20.50.250(B)(8)(e) to allow vinyl-coated chain-link fences in commercial zones only if they are no closer to the property line than the front building façade. The amendment sparked debate: Mayor Roberts supported it for pedestrian-friendly streetscapes and safety; Deputy Mayor Mork cited safety concerns for pedestrians; Councilmember Ademasu opposed, citing cost burdens on small businesses and existing uses like safety fencing along drop-offs. The initial vote on the amendment was recorded as 5-2 in the transcript but the minutes state it failed 3-4. Councilmember Robertson raised a concern that the vote was confused, leading to a motion to reconsider. After reconsideration, the amendment failed 4-3 (Councilmembers Ademasu, Ramsdell, Mayor Roberts, and Deputy Mayor Mork voted in favor; Councilmembers Robertson, Scully, and Pobee voted against). The council then voted on the main motion to approve Ordinance No. 1047 as recommended by the Planning Commission, which passed 7-0. Key Outcomes - Ordinance No. 1047 adopted unanimously (7-0) as recommended by the Planning Commission, without the amendment to restrict vinyl-coated chain-link fencing to the building façade line. - Note on discrepancy: The minutes and transcript differ on the initial vote tally for the amendment (minutes: 3-4 failed; transcript: 5-2 passed). The final outcome after reconsideration is consistent: the amendment failed 4-3. - The council entered an executive session at 7:26 p.m. for 30 minutes (extended to 8:13 p.m.) to discuss potential litigation under RCW 42.30.110(1)(i). No action was taken following the session. The meeting adjourned at 8:18 p.m.

The Shoreline City Council met on Monday, November 24, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. in Council Chambers. The 61-minute meeting included a discussion of Ordinance 1045 updating Critical Areas Regulations (riparian management zones) and Ordinance 1049 amending Business and Occupation Tax classifications. Public comment focused on aquifer recharge area protections and riparian buffer planting requirements. The consent calendar was approved 6-0, and Councilmember Ramsdell was excused. Consent Calendar - Approval of Expenses and Payroll as of November 7, 2025, totaling $4,104,004.22. - Authorized the City Manager to execute the 2026-2029 Interlocal SeaShore Transportation Forum Agreement. - Authorized Amendment 5 to Contract 8961 with Herrera Environmental Consultants for Hidden Lake Dam removal support ($136,040). - Adopted Resolution No. 557 rejecting all bids for the NW Innis Arden Way Boeing Creek Culvert Replacement (Hidden Lake Phase 2) project. - All items approved 6-0. Public Comments & Testimony - Ruth Williams (Thornton Creek Alliance) urged the Council to apply Reasonable Use Permits sparingly and to require native plantings in riparian management zone interruptions (Code 20.80.320(F)). Requested a variance application process for such permits. - Kathleen Russell (Save Shoreline Trees) supported Thornton Creek Alliance’s comments and raised concerns about bike and scooter impacts on trail tree roots and erosion. - Bob Danson (General Manager, Olympic Water District) stated the draft ordinance’s claim that no critical aquifer recharge areas (CARAs) exist in Shoreline is inaccurate. He requested that the Deer Creek Wellhead Protection Area Buffer be designated as a CARA, citing legal requirements and best available science. He submitted board resolutions supporting protection. Discussion Items A. Ordinance No. 1045 – Critical Areas Regulations Update Elise Keim, Planning Manager, presented the update driven by Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) guidance. Key changes: - Replaces varied stream buffers with Riparian Management Zones (RMZs) based on site potential tree height (200 ft in Shoreline). - Impacts 1,900 properties (up from 1,400 under current code). - Provides flexibility: up to 25% RMZ reduction with enhancement, physically separated/functionally isolated RMZ exemptions, and one-time building expansion (up to 500 sq ft, at least 100 ft from stream) without a full reasonable use permit. - Council discussion focused on: - Need for clear code language on physically separated RMZs (Councilmember Scully). - Native planting requirements (Mayor Roberts requested staff clarify). - Disagreement with Olympic Water District over CARA designation for Deer Creek wellhead protection area. Councilmember Ademasu and others sought alternative protections (e.g., MOU) while staff maintain that the area does not meet legal CARA definition. Staff confirmed ongoing negotiations with the district. - Ordinance expected to return December 15, 2025, for possible adoption; wellhead issue may be addressed separately. B. Ordinance No. 1049 – B&O Tax Classification Updates Christy Hopkins (Budget & Tax Manager) and Johanna Miller (B&O Tax Analyst) presented: - Aligns Shoreline Municipal Code with state Senate Bill 5814 and AWC Model Ordinance. - Moves selected services (e.g., animal grooming, pet boarding, cosmetic services, etc.) into the retail tax classification; corrects a typo regarding extended warranties. - Councilmember Ademasu requested exploring a phased B&O tax for small businesses starting out (over 5 years). Staff indicated this could be considered next year. - Ordinance is proposed for adoption December 8, 2025. Key Outcomes - Consent calendar approved 6-0 (Councilmember Ramsdell excused). - No votes taken on Ordinances 1045 or 1049; both will return for action at later meetings (1045 on December 15, 1049 on December 8). - Staff directed to clarify RMZ code language on physically separated zones and native planting requirements, and to continue discussions with Olympic Water District regarding aquifer recharge protections. - Council expressed interest in a future study of small business B&O tax relief.

The Shoreline Planning Commission held its regular meeting on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber at Shoreline City Hall. The primary agenda item was an update on economic development, presented by Economic Development Manager Nathan Daum. The meeting lasted approximately 54 minutes, adjourning at 7:54 p.m. Consent Calendar - The agenda was approved as presented. - The meeting minutes of November 6, 2025, were approved as presented. Public Comments & Testimony - No oral public comments were made during the meeting. Written public comments submitted by Sara Lorimer, Allison Luzader, Emily Kelton, and Kevin Atkinson were acknowledged as received by the Commission. Discussion Items - Economic Development Update (Study Item) – Nathan Daum provided a comprehensive overview of economic development in Shoreline. He noted that large-scale multifamily development has slowed significantly due to high interest rates and reduced investor returns, citing the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank as a turning point. Smaller-scale projects (townhomes, ADUs, missing middle housing) remain active. The city’s economic development strategy, recently adopted by Council, focuses on small businesses and startups, placemaking, pop-ups, tourism, and jobs/housing balance. - Daum highlighted several initiatives: support for small businesses via the Shoreline Chamber of Commerce and SBDC; the upcoming Richmond Beach grocery/coffee bar/deli (targeting January 2026 opening); the city’s acquisition of an adjacent office building to create space for small business development; the Shorelights winter light display (1,100 attendees at the lighting ceremony); a food truck hub concept at the Seattle City Light-owned property near the 185th Street light rail station (informally called “North City Commons”); and partnerships with community organizations for events like the greenhouse winter market and Shorelake Arts events. - Commissioners praised the presentation and asked questions about the food truck hub timeline, waste management/reusable dish options, and potential partnerships with organizations that curate pop-up hubs. Daum explained that the timeline for the food truck hub depends on securing an interlocal agreement with Seattle City Light (hopefully early 2026) and potential state capital budget funding. He also noted that the city is exploring waste-reduction strategies similar to reusable-dish programs at Seattle Center. Commissioner Lin shared examples from Taiwan’s night markets and asked about coordination with organizations that attract pop-up hubs; Daum responded that the city may issue an RFP to identify partners. Key Outcomes - No formal votes or decisions were taken. The discussion was informational. - Planning Director Andrew Bauer announced that the City Council will discuss the Planning Commission’s recent Critical Areas Code recommendation on Monday, November 24, with potential action tentatively scheduled for mid-December. - Recruitment for upcoming Planning Commission vacancies has opened; applications are due January 9, 2026. Commissioner May Shell is terming out after eight years. - The next meeting on December 4, 2025, will focus on light rail sub-area plan updates.

The Shoreline City Council held its regular meeting on Monday, November 17, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber. The meeting covered routine approvals, adoption of the mid-biennial budget amendment with six additional council amendments, and a study item proposing updates to the Employee Handbook. All votes were unanimous. Consent Calendar - Approved by a 7-0 vote. Items included: - Approval of meeting minutes from October 6, 13, and 27, 2025. - Adoption of Ordinance No. 1041 (2026 Property Tax Levy). - Adoption of Ordinance No. 1042 (2026 Impact Fee Schedule). - Adoption of Resolution No. 548 (2026 Fee Schedule). - Authorization to execute an amendment to the agreement with the South Correctional Entity (SCORE) Jail for jail services. - Assumption of the Multi-Family Housing Limited Property Tax Exemption Contract by Postmark Apartments, LLC. Public Comments & Testimony - Gordon Black, North Sound Bicycle Advocates board member, expressed full support for protected bike lanes on N 200th Street after earlier reservations, and offered input on the pilot project. - Marita Rabbitt, Shoreline homeowner, criticized the significant tree removal fee as punitive, citing a $6,900 fee for a hazardous redwood 10 feet from her home. She urged the council to update the tree code to balance canopy protection and homeowner safety. - Lucy Pyeatt, Hopelink Director of Financial and Education Programs, supported Amendment 5 for additional utility and rental assistance. She reported that in the past four months, an average of 130 Shoreline households requested assistance each month, with requests in the first two weeks of November already 70% of that average. - Heidi Shepherd, NUHSA President, supported Amendment 6 providing $50,000 for food assistance cards at Safeway, noting the recent restoration of SNAP benefits and ongoing food insecurity. - Stevie Burklett, Mountlake Terrace, expressed gratitude for the ShoreLights winter lighting event, saying it fostered a sense of community. Action Items - Ordinance No. 1040 – 2025-2026 Mid-Biennial Budget Amendment and CIP Update (30 minutes): - Administrative Services Director Joseph Brandstatter and Budget & Tax Manager Christy Hopkins presented. The budget process began in June, and the city is in a strong fiscal position to consider proposed amendments. - Councilmember Scully asked about the impact of approving all six proposed amendments. Mr. Brandstatter responded that the fund balance would remain within the target range of 20–25% of expenditures, and the amendments do not significantly move the needle. - Deputy Mayor Mork asked about tracking capital project funds that cannot be spent in this biennium. Ms. Hopkins explained the funds would be carried forward into the next biennium. - A motion to adopt Ordinance No. 1040 as presented passed 7-0. - A subsequent motion to adopt Amendments 1 through 6 (one-time expenditures) also passed 7-0. Study Items - Resolution No. 555 – Amending the Employee Handbook (30 minutes): - Human Resources Director Livy Smith Yueh presented updates driven by 14 state laws, two federal laws, and housekeeping edits. Changes include bidirectional accountability for hybrid work, mature talent management, and compliance updates. - Mayor Roberts asked about the inconsistent use of “regular employee” vs. “city employee.” Ms. Yueh pointed to definitions on page 9a-113 for employment status. Mayor Roberts noted a preference for “benefits eligible” instead of “regular.” - The resolution will return on the consent calendar on December 1, 2025. Key Outcomes - Consent Calendar passed unanimously (7-0). - Ordinance No. 1040 (budget adoption) passed unanimously (7-0). - Amendments 1–6 passed unanimously (7-0). - Resolution No. 555 (Employee Handbook) will be considered on consent at the December 1, 2025 meeting. - Meeting adjourned at 7:34 p.m.