Public Meetings - Shoreline, Washington

The Shoreline Planning Commission held a public hearing on November 6, 2025, to consider the proposed Environmentally Critical Areas (ECA) Code Update. The meeting began at 7:00 p.m. and adjourned at 7:30 p.m. The Commission received public testimony, discussed key issues including wellhead protection and tree retention, and voted unanimously to recommend the updated code to the City Council. Consent Calendar - The agenda was approved as presented. - The draft minutes from October 16, 2025, were approved as presented. Public Comments & Testimony - Lora Petso (Edmonds resident): Opposed the draft ordinance due to concerns about contamination and lack of protection for her drinking water, noting that the Deer Creek Wellhead Protection Area extends into Shoreline. She submitted written comments. - Kathleen Russell (Shoreline, Tree Preservation Code Team): Raised concerns about a discrepancy in tree retention requirements—30% in Critical Areas versus 35% on other private property. She requested that the Commission include specific Tree Code requirements for Critical Areas and Critical Area Buffers in the Critical Areas Code for clarity. - Bob Danson (General Manager, Olympic View Water and Sewer District): Provided detailed written comments and urged the City to add a sentence recognizing the Deer Creek Wellhead Protection Area buffer as a Critical Aquifer Recharge Area (CARA), stating it meets the definition under state law and best available science. He expressed concern that the draft ordinance does not include this buffer despite overlapping with high-risk areas. - Ruth Williams (Seattle, Thornton Creek Alliance): Urged caution in the use of the Reasonable Use allowance, recommending a variance requirement to avoid overuse. She emphasized the importance of protecting critical areas for watershed health and commended Shoreline for the update. Discussion Items - Wellhead Protection Area: Vice Chair Mosier asked for clarification on the wellhead protection area issue. Planning Manager Elise Keim reported that the City met with the Department of Ecology, Department of Health, and Olympic View earlier in the week. The agencies clarified that a wellhead protection area can be a CARA but is not synonymous; the elective buffer in Shoreline is not a required component. Staff’s recommendation remains unchanged, as drinking water concerns are best addressed through stormwater provisions rather than CARA designation. - Tree Retention Discrepancy: Chair Brinson asked about the 30% versus 35% tree retention. Keim explained that the Critical Areas Code standard focuses on no net loss of ecological function or no increase in hazards, not a percentage. The 30% is a backstop, and actual retention rates in critical area reports are typically much higher. Key Outcomes - Motion: Vice Chair Mosier moved, seconded by Commissioner Fry, to recommend to the City Council approval of the Critical Areas Code Amendments as contained in Attachment A of the staff report. - Vote: The motion passed unanimously on a roll call vote (6-0; Commissioner Povick excused). - Next Meeting: The Commission will hold an informational briefing on economic development in Shoreline on November 20, 2025. - The public hearing was closed at approximately 7:30 p.m.

The Shoreline City Council held a regular meeting on Monday, November 3, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber. Mayor Chris Roberts presided. Six councilmembers were present (Roberts, Mork, Ramsdell, Scully, Ademasu, Pobee); Councilmember Robertson was excused. The agenda was approved by unanimous consent. The meeting included proclamations, public comment, consent calendar approval, and public hearings on the 2026 property tax levy and the mid-biennial budget amendment, fee schedules, and capital improvement plan. The meeting adjourned at 8:22 p.m. Proclamations - Native American Heritage Month: Mayor Roberts proclaimed November 2025 as Native American Heritage Month in Shoreline, encouraging residents to learn about and support Native communities. A display honoring Edie Loyer-Nelson was noted. - Veterans Appreciation Day: Mayor Roberts proclaimed November 11, 2025, as Veterans Appreciation Day. Vice Commander John Brady (Starr Sutherland Jr. Post 227) accepted and provided historical context on Armistice Day. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The regular meeting minutes of September 29, 2025, were approved by a vote of 6-0 (moved by Deputy Mayor Mork, seconded by Councilmember Pobee). Public Comments & Testimony - General Public Comment: - Virgilio Goze (Shoreline, National Association of Letter Carriers) thanked the Council for the USPS 250th anniversary proclamation and opposed privatization. - Mary Ellen Stone (Shoreline, Indivisible Shoreline WA) expressed appreciation for the USPS proclamation. - Ken Winnick (Shoreline) spoke in support of a $3,000 budget request for a semi-quincentennial spoken word series in 2026, titled "America at 250: A Republic If We Can Keep It." - Matthew DeAngelis (Shoreline) spoke in favor of a proposed budget item to improve land near the North light rail station for a community and food truck hub. - Public Hearing on Ordinance 1041 (Property Tax Levy): - Vice Commander John Brady (Shoreline) asked how proposed property tax increases translate to renters and multifamily housing residents, given the difficulty of calculating property value impacts on rents. - Public Hearing on Ordinance 1040, Resolution 548, Ordinance 1042 (Budget, Fees, Impact Fees, CIP): - Gabriel Sneed (Shoreline) expressed support for Rotary Park improvements, citing opportunities for small businesses and community space. - Matt Snyder (Shoreline) supported the improvement plan for public events, small businesses, and community gathering. - Ben Chapman (Shoreline) added support for improvements to facilitate community connections. - Vice Commander John Brady asked about probationary operations costs and public safety relative to population growth. Discussion Items - Ordinance No. 1041 – 2026 Property Tax Levy: - Joseph Brandstatter (Administrative Services Director) and Christy Hopkins (Budget & Tax Manager) presented a financial update. General Fund revenue is at 64% ($63.7 million) of budget, expenditures at 60% ($63.49 million). Property tax collections are at 54% ($24.80 million) of the allowable levy. Sales tax is 5.3% less than last year, slightly above the projected 6.5% decrease. Real Estate Excise Tax (REET) is 1.4% above last year at 91% of budget. The proposed 2026 property tax is estimated at $25.8–$25.9 million with a levy rate of $1.49, plus a voter-approved Parks Bond excess levy of $2.954 million. Councilmember Scully raised concerns about declining construction and REET revenue and asked for the impact on homeowners and renters. Staff agreed to provide estimated dollar impacts for a $500,000 home and explore renter implications. - Ordinance No. 1040, Resolution No. 548, Ordinance No. 1042, and CIP Update: - Staff presented the mid-biennial budget amendment, fee schedules, and impact fees. Impact fees (Ordinance 1042) decreased by 1.64% based on Seattle’s construction cost index. Fee schedules (Resolution 548) increased by 2.683% based on CPI. Budget amendments include 2.367 FTEs (limited-term and ongoing). Public safety costs represent 32% of the operating budget for 2025-2026, with an additional $200,000 planned for probation services in 2027. The 10-year financial model shows a balanced budget through 2029, with a deficit starting in 2030. The anticipated ending fund balance is $16.254 million. - Councilmember Ramsdell expressed support for the full-time performance management position, grant administrator extension, website accessibility updates, and HVAC upgrade at the Spartan Recreation Center. - Councilmember Scully requested a graphic showing the impact of council amendments on the one-time fund balance to illustrate finite resources. - Mayor Roberts noted the winter lights display one-time funding ($35,000 for capital, $267,400 total) may become an annual cost. Nathan Daum (Economic Development Program Manager) stated a group of six volunteers is seeking sponsorships, with about 100 businesses contacted; approximately 10,000 visitors are expected. - Councilmembers discussed public safety cost increases: the police contract increase is partly due to a cost-sharing model with other cities (dispatch calls flat, but other cities’ calls decreased, increasing Shoreline’s share by $250,000). King County’s public safety sales tax is not expected to reduce city costs. - On construction costs, Public Works Director Tricia Juhnke noted options to offset increases, such as increasing vehicle license fees (currently $40, could go to $50 without a vote, raising $200,000). Staff will review significant budget drivers and consider adjustments. - Deputy Mayor Mork raised concerns about utility rates, wastewater/stormwater costs, and insurance increases. Staff clarified that the new wastewater position is funded by the wastewater utility without affecting rates, and insurance increases are market-driven. - Councilmember Pobee asked about the 4% technology fee on planning permits, which will support the permitting portal. Staff confirmed that the fee is comparable to other cities and will cover ongoing costs. - Councilmember Ademasu asked about the Springbrook cloud migration; staff confirmed industry-standard security and backup procedures. Key Outcomes - Public Hearings Held: Both hearings were opened and closed. No votes were taken; the items will return for action on November 17, 2025. - Council Amendments: Potential amendments were discussed, including: - Councilmember Ademasu proposed a public-private partnership with Habitat for Humanity for low-income homebuyer middle housing. - Deputy Mayor Mork proposed $100,000 for utility/rent support and $50,000 for holiday food gift cards. - Councilmembers were encouraged to submit written amendments by Wednesday, November 5, 2025, for inclusion in the November 17 staff report. - Next Steps: The next regular council meeting is scheduled for November 10, 2025. Budget-related items will be considered for final approval on November 17, 2025.

The Shoreline City Council held a regular meeting on Monday, October 27, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber. Mayor Chris Roberts presided. The meeting covered approval of the consent calendar, an action item on the 2026 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, and a study item on the 2026 State Legislative Priorities. Five councilmembers were present (Roberts, Mork, Ramsdell, Scully, Ademasu) and two were absent (Pobee, Robertson). Consent Calendar - Approved unanimously (5-0) including: Approval of Workshop Dinner Meeting Minutes of September 8, 2025; Approval of Workshop Dinner Meeting Minutes of September 22, 2025; Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes of September 22, 2025; Approval of Expenses and Payroll as of October 10, 2025, in the Amount of $5,872,718.31; Adoption of Resolution No. 550 - Intent to Implement an Equivalent Service Unit Fee Structure for Surface Water Management Fees; Authorize the City Manager to Approve the Cooperative Purchase from Legacy Group in an Amount Not to Exceed $800,000 for City Hall Office Reconfiguration Parts, Furniture, and Installation; Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Memorandum of Agreement with King County for Indigency Screening Services; Authorize the City Manager to Execute the Interlocal Agreement Between the City of Lynnwood and the City of Shoreline for Jail Services Through December 31, 2026. Public Comments & Testimony - Emily Jones, Director of the Shoreline Lake Forest Park Senior Activity Center, expressed disappointment about the idea of withdrawing funds for the Home Repair Program. She read a letter from a 79-year-old client who relied on the program for critical home repairs and urged council to reconsider funding. - Kathleen Russell, Shoreline resident, stated that Save Shoreline Trees would present a petition regarding concerns about the City’s tree canopy. - Jonelle Kemmerling, Shoreline resident, spoke about support received for the petition from Save Shoreline Trees and highlighted the importance and benefits of urban trees. She noted that over the past five months, supporters gathered signatures and heard strong public endorsement for preserving trees. - Boni Beiry, Shoreline resident, read language from the petition from Save Shoreline Trees and advocated for preserving healthy existing trees and wildlife habitat. She handed the City Clerk the Petition with signatures of 1,137 residents. - Sibonbile Chadyiwe, Shoreline resident, commented in favor of continued investment in mental health resources and community connection opportunities for low-income older adults, youth, and families. She also supported arts and culture programming and opportunities related to the 2026 World Cup. - Katie Laura, Shoreline resident, emphasized the need for funding the North City Commons (community pop-up retail and placemaking pilot at 185th near Rotary Park) to improve local economic development. She expressed unequivocal support for prioritizing this project. Discussion Items - Action on the 2026 Community Development Block Grant Program and Reprogramming of Prior Years’ Funding: Bethany Wolbrecht-Dunn, Community Services Manager, presented two options. Option 1 (staff recommendation) allocated $130,000 for the Minor Home Repair Program and $23,600 for Vital Housing for an affordable housing acquisition (110 units at 60% AMI, 10-year deed restriction), plus reprogrammed $40,000 to restart 2025 home repair services. Option 2 allocated $120,000 for home repair, $1,600 for Vital Housing, and $32,000 for financial assistance (serving 10-15 households). Council debated the trade-offs. Deputy Mayor Mork and Councilmember Ademasu supported Option 1, citing the need to restart home repair and the administratively burdensome nature of CDBG funds for small financial assistance. Councilmember Ramsdell supported Option 2, highlighting high demand for financial assistance (Hopelink only able to help 4-5/month due to funding limits). Councilmember Scully questioned whether the $10,000 difference in home repair funding would materially affect service levels, and expressed preference for using general fund mid-biennium amendment to boost Hopelink rather than CDBG funds. The motion for Option 1 passed 4-1 (Ramsdell dissenting). - Discussion of 2026 State Legislative Priorities: Jim Hammond and contract lobbyist Debora Munguia presented the draft agenda. Key points: 2026 is a short (60-day) session starting January 12; Democrats retain majorities; projected $2 billion state revenue shortfall; state agencies directed to prepare for significant reductions. City priorities include: (1) Advancing the 175th Corridor project, seeking future transportation package funding; (2) A local community project request for capital improvements near Rotary Park (North City Commons hub for food, arts, gathering); (3) Broad policy issues: transportation preservation/maintenance, indigent defense costs, land use planning, climate change, behavioral health, fish passage, wastewater costs, and city financial stability. Councilmember Scully criticized the policy items as lacking specific goals, suggesting future agendas should be more action-oriented. Mayor Roberts emphasized remaining committed to parks improvements and ADA accessibility despite limited state funding. Key Outcomes - Consent Calendar approved 5-0. - 2026 CDBG Action: Motion carried 4-1 to approve Option 1 (staff recommendation) as presented in Attachment A, authorizing the City Manager to execute agreements for the funded programs. Option 1 funds the Minor Home Repair Program at $130,000 for 2026 with $40,000 reprogrammed to restart 2025 services, and provides $23,600 to Vital Housing for affordable housing acquisition. Staff noted that if Council later wishes to increase financial assistance, it could be done via a mid-biennium budget amendment using general funds. - State Legislative Priorities: Discussion only; formal adoption will occur at a future meeting. Council directed staff to consider more specific, action-oriented language for future agendas. Other Reports - City Manager Report: John Norris highlighted upcoming events: Filipino/Filipina American History Month celebration (Oct 30), Dia de los Muertos celebration (Nov 1), roundabout simulator drop-in sessions (Nov 3), and upcoming meetings. - Council Reports: Councilmember Ademasu attended King Conservation District Advisory Committee meeting and King County Public Health briefing; noted tree canopy assessments, flu increase, World Cup food vendor concerns, and a tour of Camp United We Stand. Deputy Mayor Mork attended K4C meeting and regional water quality meetings; raised concerns about electric power capacity in Washington State and interest in community solar. Mayor Roberts thanked Councilmember Robertson for volunteering at a tree planting event and Senator Salomon and Representative Davis for attending a dinner meeting.

The Shoreline Planning Commission held a regular meeting on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at 7:00 PM in the Council Chamber at City Hall. Vice Chair Christopher Mosier presided. The commission conducted two public hearings: one on the Final 2025 Comprehensive Plan Docket (Amendments 1 and 2) and one on the 2025 Miscellaneous Batch Development Code Amendments. Both items received unanimous votes recommending approval to the City Council. Consent Calendar - The agenda was accepted as presented. - The draft minutes of the October 2, 2025 regular meeting were accepted as presented. Public Comments & Testimony - Comprehensive Plan Docket: No oral public testimony was offered. One written comment was received. - Development Code Amendments: Fifteen written comments were submitted. One oral comment was received from Bob Virkelyst (19204 12th Avenue NW, Shoreline). He expressed concern about the due process for vetting code changes, particularly regarding parking standards and the proposed removal of minimum density requirements in NR2 and NR3 zones. He argued that a broad-brush approach undermines single-family neighborhoods and the American dream of homeownership, and called for more thorough vetting before finalizing the amendments. Discussion Items - 2025 Comprehensive Plan Docket – Amendment 1 and Amendment 2: Senior Planner Steve Szafran and Associate Planner Kevin Bagwell presented the staff report. Amendment 1 removes the Bike Level of Traffic Stress (LTS) table and corresponding language from the Transportation Element, as the table is more appropriately maintained in the city’s Engineering Development Manual. Amendment 2 revises the Countywide Center boundary map, adding new boundaries for the 185th Street and 148th Street stations and designating Town Center and Shoreline Place as future countywide centers. Staff recommended approval. No commissioner questions were posed. - 2025 Miscellaneous Batch Development Code Amendments: Staff presented a wide-ranging set of code amendments, including: revisions to definitions, procedures, temporary uses (e.g., pop-up businesses for events like the World Cup), deletion of townhomes from the Neighborhood Business zone, adult use facility criteria, columbarium allowances, early learning daycare facilities in NR2 and NR3 zones, removal of minimum density requirements in NR2 and NR3 zones, flexible setback standards for garages, fenestration exceptions for existing structures, elimination of site improvement thresholds for residential-to-commercial conversions, and allowance of vinyl-coated chain link fences in commercial zones. Staff confirmed consistency with Comprehensive Plan policies and recommended approval. - Commissioner Fry and Vice Chair Mosier spoke in support of removing the minimum density requirement. Vice Chair Mosier noted the state mandate (HP 1110) that guided this change and also appreciated the inclusion of the Chamber of Commerce’s requests related to Neighborhood Commercial zones. Key Outcomes - Motion on Comprehensive Plan Docket: Commissioner Fry moved, seconded by Commissioner Povick, to recommend approval of the Final 2025 Comprehensive Plan Docket, Amendments 1 and 2, as documented in Attachments A through G of the staff report. The motion passed unanimously on a roll call vote (6-0). The public hearing was closed. - Motion on Development Code Amendments: Commissioner Hadley moved, seconded by Commissioner Fry, to recommend approval of the 2025 Miscellaneous Batch Development Code Amendments as detailed in Attachment A of the staff report. The motion passed unanimously on a roll call vote (6-0). The public hearing was closed. - The next regular meeting is scheduled for November 6, 2025, at which the commission will hold a public hearing on Critical Areas Code Development Amendments.

The Shoreline City Council met on Monday, October 13, 2025 at 7:00 PM in the Council Chamber at City Hall. The meeting was called to order by Deputy Mayor Laura Mork. All seven council members were present. The council approved the consent calendar, adopted a resolution designating Akropong, Ghana as a sister city, and discussed a proposed protected bike lane project on N 200th Street. Consent Calendar - Approved workshop dinner meeting minutes of August 11, 2025, regular meeting minutes of September 8, 2025, and September 15, 2025. - Approved expenses and payroll as of September 26, 2025 in the amount of $12,153,327.48. - Adopted Resolution No. 549 approving the 2025-2030 Surface Water Master Plan. - Adopted Resolution No. 553 adopting the 2025-2030 Shoreline Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex. - Authorized the City Manager to execute a third amendment to the contract with ABLE in the amount of $723,155 for park project designs. - The consent calendar was approved by a 7-0 vote. Public Comments & Testimony - David Guilland (Shoreline) spoke about bike infrastructure on 180th Street to improve safety and connectivity, suggesting that protected bike lanes on 200th might not be the highest priority. - Gordon Black (Edmonds, North Sound Bicycle Advocates) suggested pausing development for further studies on the Edmonds-Shoreline connection, given limited budgets. - Margaret Elwood (Edmonds, North Sound Bicycle Advocates) expressed support for safer bicycling infrastructure, especially for children, but noted the 200th Street project only covers two blocks. - Patrick Deagen (Shoreline) shared suggestions for placement of a dock at West Echo Lake Park, questioning the use of funds for a study. - Jonathan Garner (Shoreline) commented that the bicycle infrastructure plan focuses on upgrading existing facilities rather than addressing areas lacking any infrastructure. - Boni Biery (Shoreline, Save Shoreline Trees) expressed support for the bicycle infrastructure plan but requested a tree removal report and tree replacement plan before project funding. - David Stygstra (Shoreline) advocated for protected bike lanes everywhere, noting a distracted driver hit his friend that morning. - Tina Huang (Shoreline) raised concerns about lack of city oversight for housing fees and HOA violations, recounting personal experience with toxic mold and lack of recourse. Additionally, two speakers addressed the sister city item: - Laura James (Shoreline Sister City Association President) expressed support, noting growing community engagement and the possibility of hosting Ghana's national soccer team for the 2026 World Cup. - Kathleen Russell (Shoreline) expressed support for the sister city designation, highlighting cultural exchange benefits. Action Items Resolution No. 554 - Designating Akropong, Ghana as Sister City - Staff report by City Clerk Jessica Simulcik Smith reviewed the formation of the Shoreline Sister City Association and the criteria met by Akropong. - Councilmember Eben Pobee moved to approve, seconded by Councilmember Betsy Robertson. - Council discussion highlighted cultural and educational exchange opportunities. Councilmember Scully noted the importance of engaging subcommunities. Councilmember Pobee emphasized educational exchange and that Shoreline can have multiple sister cities. - The motion carried 7-0. Study Items Discussion of the N 200th Street Interurban Trail Connection Protected Bike Lanes - Sponsored by Councilmembers Scully and Ramsdell. - City Traffic Engineer Kendra Dedinsky presented two options: a one-way protected bike lane (estimated $390,000) and a two-way protected bike lane (estimated $1.16 million). The one-way option is technically preferred and does not impact trees; the two-way option could affect trees and is less intuitive for drivers. - No specific outreach has been conducted. Project design would not begin until at least 2028 if funded. - Councilmember Ramsdell expressed support for the one-way option, emphasizing safety and connectivity for families. He cited studies showing 400-460% ridership increases with protected bike lanes. - Councilmember Ademasu asked about maintenance (mini sweeper), costs not influenced by width, crossing design at intersections, and tree impacts. She noted the $390,000 is significant for two blocks and must be weighed against other priorities like affordable housing. - Councilmember Scully framed the discussion as part of the mid-biennium budget amendment process, noting that surplus funds must be allocated to specific projects. He shared personal experience biking with his children and the danger at this gap. - Councilmember Robertson expressed appreciation for the discussion but indicated uncertainty about whether this is the right project given other needs (180th, 10th, light rail connections). - Deputy Mayor Mork asked about garbage collection and parking removal; Ms. Dedinsky explained parking would be removed and garbage collection would need coordination with Recology. - Councilmember Pobee clarified that design would be in 2028, not construction, and asked about relationship to the proposed SR 104 bridge. Ms. Dedinsky stated the bike lanes would not be wasted even if the bridge route changes, as they serve local destinations. - Mayor Roberts expressed support for the mini sweeper and for protected bike lanes in general but remained unconvinced this is the right time or location, noting other corridors lack any bike infrastructure. Key Outcomes - Consent calendar approved unanimously (7-0). - Resolution No. 554 designating Akropong, Ghana as a sister city approved unanimously (7-0). - The bike lane discussion was informational; no vote was taken. A potential mid-biennium budget amendment for the one-way protected bike lane project ($390,000) will be considered at a future meeting alongside other priorities. Councilmembers indicated competing demands for surplus funds.

The Shoreline City Council held its regular meeting on Monday, October 6, 2025, at 7:00 PM in the Council Chamber at City Hall. All seven council members were present. The meeting included a City Manager's report featuring an APWA accreditation award presentation, council reports on regional committees and events, public comments, approval of the consent calendar, a public hearing and discussion on the 2026 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program and reprogramming of prior years' funds, and a study item on providing one-time funding for Volunteers of America's Lynnwood Neighborhood Center. The meeting adjourned at 8:18 PM. Consent Calendar - The agenda was approved by unanimous consent. - Consent Calendar items (Adoption of Ordinance No. 1044 amending salary ranges, Resolution No. 551 adopting a Sister City Policy, and Resolution No. 522 adopting the Park Facilities ADA Transition Plan) were approved 7-0. Public Comments & Testimony - Laethan Wene (Shoreline resident) asked the Council to appoint a person with a disability to the Planning Commission and Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services/Tree Board. - Ruth Kagi (former State Representative for the 32nd District) expressed support for the Lynnwood Neighborhood Center, noting a historical lack of service providers in North King and South Snohomish counties and highlighting the array of services the center will provide, including refugee services and early childhood education. - Steve Woodard (Mountlake Terrace Councilmember) thanked the Council for discussing the Lynnwood Neighborhood Center and urged serious consideration of investment, emphasizing regional collaboration and the center's benefits for behavioral health, transportation access, and adaptable design. Discussion Items - 2026 CDBG Program and Reprogramming of Prior Years' Funds: Community Services Manager Bethany Wolbrecht-Dunn presented staff recommendations. An estimated $320,000 in 2026 federal CDBG funds and $50,909 in unprogrammed 2025 funds are available. Proposed allocations include $80,000 for Major Home Repair, $16,000 for Housing Stability, $38,400 for King County planning/administration, $130,000 for Minor Home Repair (Sound Generations), $23,600 for Affordable Housing Acquisition (Vital Housing), and local city administration. Staff also requested reprogramming $40,000 of the 2025 contingency for Minor Home Repair (which served 49 Shoreline households by July 2025 versus 43 in all of 2024) and adding $10,909 to the Affordable Housing Acquisition project (targeting 110 units at 60% Area Median Income). Councilmembers debated shifting funds toward emergency assistance (rent, mortgage, utilities). Councilmember Ramsdell advocated for more money for eviction prevention, noting utility payments as a leading cause. Councilmember Scully proposed moving the $50,909 carryover from home repair to housing stability, possibly through Hopelink, to maximize impact for Shoreline residents. Councilmember Robertson asked about increasing city funds for utility assistance. City Manager Bristol Ellington noted there is one-time surplus available for additional projects. Mayor Roberts agreed that keeping people in their homes is a priority. Staff will return on October 27 with options for the funding plan. - One-Time Funding for Volunteers of America's Lynnwood Neighborhood Center: Deputy Mayor Mork and Councilmember Scully sponsored the discussion. The center, located at 196th Street and Highway 99 in Lynnwood, is a 40,000-square-foot facility scheduled to open in early 2026 and projected to serve 24,000 people annually. Total project cost is $26,661,421, with $903,330 still needed. Contributing cities include Lynnwood ($1M), Mountlake Terrace ($250,000), and Edmonds ($100,000). Councilmember Scully proposed a range of $50,000-$100,000, citing specialized providers like Korean Community Service Center and Latino Educational Training Institute that are not duplicated in Shoreline. Councilmember Ademasu supported the project but asked about securing a medical provider. Deputy Mayor Mork emphasized regional thinking, noting some services will benefit Shoreline residents. Councilmember Robertson and Mayor Roberts wanted to weigh the request against other mid-budget priorities, such as the ADA Transition Plan and human services. Councilmember Scully formally proposed a $100,000 budget amendment for consideration during the mid-budget process. Council consensus was to include the request as an amendment for further deliberation. Key Outcomes - CDBG Program: Staff will present at least two funding options (including shifting the $50,909 carryover to Hopelink for housing stability) at the October 27 council meeting for final action. - Lynnwood Neighborhood Center: Councilmember Scully's motion for a $100,000 budget amendment will be considered during the mid-budget process, allowing comparison with other funding requests. A resolution expressing support for the project was suggested as a possible unanimous action. - Next Steps: The October 27 meeting will include action on the CDBG plan and continued discussion of the Lynnwood Neighborhood Center funding.

The Shoreline Planning Commission met on Thursday, October 2, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber at Shoreline City Hall, 17500 Midvale Avenue N, Shoreline, WA. Chair Leslie Brinson called the meeting to order. Present were Chair Brinson, Vice Chair Christopher Mosier, Commissioners Colt Fry and Julie Povick. Commissioners Mei-shiou Lin, Bradley Cabe, and Lauren Hadley were excused. Staff included Andrew Bauer, Elise Keim, and Carla Hoekzema. The sole study item was the Critical Areas Development Code Amendments, focused on riparian management zone (RMZ) standards and comments from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). The meeting was adjourned at 7:34 p.m. Consent Calendar - The agenda was accepted as presented. - The draft minutes of the September 18, 2025 regular meeting were accepted as presented. Public Comments & Testimony - Bob Danson, General Manager of the Olympic View Water and Sewer District (OVWSD), said the draft Critical Areas Ordinance is incorrect in stating Shoreline has no designated Critical Aquifer Recharge Areas (CARAs). He stated that a CARA has been identified within Shoreline through OVWSD’s 2023 Watershed Protection Plan, is part of the mapped Wellhead Protection Area (WPA), and qualifies as a CARA under Department of Health guidance. He urged the City to formally recognize the WPA as a CARA and requested three actions: (1) acknowledge CARAs in Shoreline based on the WPA following Department of Health guidance; (2) apply the protections from Appendix C of the OVWSD Watershed Protection Plan; and (3) continue early coordination with OVWSD on development planning near those areas. He also submitted written comments. Discussion Items - Planning Manager Elise Keim reviewed the Critical Areas Development Code Amendments required by the Growth Management Act, the new draft code, updated RMZ and critical areas maps, and WDFW comments. The proposal maintains a 200-foot standard RMZ, based on the site potential tree height method (WDFW originally estimated 202 feet). It includes a proposed allowance to reduce RMZ width by up to 25% when the area is already degraded or impacted, if a qualified professional assesses existing functions, on-site enhancement is provided, and monitoring is added to confirm effectiveness. - WDFW opposed any reduction in RMZ width. For degraded or sparsely vegetated RMZs, WDFW recommended either requiring enhancement so the RMZ stays at 200 feet or increasing the RMZ by 33% (from 200 feet to 266 feet) if enhancement is not done. The City’s consultant concluded that, based on Best Available Science, the 25% reduction is appropriate if criteria, enhancement, and monitoring are in place. - Chair Brinson said the City’s 25% reduction option makes more sense as an incentive to get enhancements, is easier to administer, and that 266 feet feels very large in an urban area. Vice Chair Mosier called the WDFW approach punitive, noting original riparian buffers were sometimes 40 feet and the City has already increased them to 200 feet; he said the WDFW alternative would not produce the desired enhanced protection. Commissioners Fry and Povick concurred. The commission was unanimously supportive of keeping the proposed 25% reduction language. - The draft code also includes a one-time expansion allowance for existing development in an RMZ of up to 500 feet if specific criteria are met, including being at least 100 feet from the stream, not extending closer than the existing structure, meeting development standards, providing on-site mitigation, and recording a covenant. WDFW did not support this and recommended requiring a Critical Areas Reasonable Use Permit, but the City’s consultant found the mitigated one-time expansion appropriate in an urban context. - Commissioner Fry asked whether the one-time expansion applies for the life of the property; Planning Manager Keim confirmed it does and that it would be recorded on the title and noted in the City’s mapping software. Commissioner Povick asked how residents know if they are near a stream; staff said streams are mapped in GIS, site plans are reviewed, and staff try to communicate proactively. There was consensus to keep the 500-foot expansion allowance if mitigated. - Regarding OVWSD’s public comment, Planning Manager Keim said the CARA language is unchanged from the City’s previous Critical Areas code update based on feedback from the Department of Ecology. Ecology’s position was that a WPA is not always a CARA and that the two are separate groundwater protection methodologies. She noted the City may still have an obligation under the Department of Health to protect the WPA, but that may not belong in the Critical Areas code, and that the City could coordinate further with OVWSD, Ecology, and the Department of Health. - Staff outlined next steps: a Critical Areas public hearing tentatively scheduled for November 6, and the SEPA threshold determination was issued on October 2, opening a two-week public comment period. Key Outcomes - The commission unanimously supported retaining the proposed up-to-25% RMZ width reduction with enhancement and monitoring, rather than adopting WDFW’s 33% increase alternative. - The commission expressed consensus to retain the one-time, mitigated 500-foot expansion allowance in RMZs. - Staff will continue to work on the OVWSD WPA/CARA issue, including possible follow-up with the Department of Health and Department of Ecology. - The next Planning Commission meeting is scheduled for October 16, 2025, with the rescheduled comprehensive plan docket public hearing and the 2025 development code amendments public hearing. At the start of the meeting, Chair Brinson corrected a previously announced hearing date to October 16 after initially stating October 18.

The Shoreline City Council held its regular meeting on September 29, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. in Council Chambers. The meeting included approval of the consent calendar, public comments, and a study item discussion on adopting a Sister City Policy (Resolution No. 551). The consent calendar was approved unanimously, and the sister city policy discussion set the stage for adoption at the next meeting. Consent Calendar - Approved unanimously (7-0) on a motion by Deputy Mayor Mork, seconded by Councilmember Pobee. Items included: - Approval of August 11, 2025 meeting minutes - Ordinance No. 1037 amending business license threshold - Agreements with Burton Construction and FORMA Construction ($2,000,000 each) for job order contract services - Amendment 1 with Parametrix for wastewater lift station design - Amendment 2 with Consor North America for wastewater/surface water engineering support - Ratification of grant agreement for Ronald Bog Park land acquisition - Contract with Washington State Department of Commerce for $150,350 grant for Edwin Pratt Memorial Park - Commute Trip Reduction agreement with WSDOT Public Comments & Testimony - Damien Crabtree, Shoreline resident, expressed frustration about speeding on 188th Street near the new 185th Light Rail Station. He described a blind hill and unsafe conditions for pedestrians, and asked what processes exist to address speeding. City staff indicated they would follow up with him. - Laura James, President of the Shoreline Sister Cities Association, thanked the Council for funding the organization. She reported that the association has officially voted to designate Accra, Ghana as a sister city and plans to apply for a "Curiosity Pass" grant to build a mobile museum using donated Ghanaian artifacts. Discussion Items - Resolution No. 551 – Sister City Policy: Jessica Simulcik Smith (City Clerk) and Jim Hammond (Intergovernmental Relations Manager) presented the draft policy, which defines roles and responsibilities between the City and the Shoreline Sister Cities Association. The policy outlines selection criteria and processes for establishing sister city relationships. - Councilmember Ademasu expressed full support, emphasizing the importance of global connections and citizen diplomacy. - Councilmember Scully noted a resident's concern about changing political environments and questioned whether the policy should explicitly allow termination if a sister city's values shift. Staff pointed out that the policy permits the Council to terminate a relationship at any time for any reason, which Scully accepted. - Councilmember Pobee thanked the community and Laura James for their passion and work, affirming Shoreline's commitment to inclusivity and diversity. - Councilmember Ramsdell asked if multiple sister cities are allowed; staff confirmed yes. - Councilmember Robertson expressed support for the program. - Mayor Roberts stated the policy will return on October 6 for adoption on the consent calendar. Key Outcomes - Consent Calendar approved 7-0. - Resolution No. 551 (Sister City Policy) was discussed; it is scheduled for adoption on the October 6, 2025 consent calendar. - No other formal votes were taken.

The Shoreline City Council met on Monday, September 22, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber at City Hall. Mayor Chris Roberts presided, with all councilmembers present except Councilmember Betsy Robertson (excused). The meeting included approval of the consent calendar, discussion of the Park Facilities ADA Transition Plan, and discussion of a Public Works Department reorganization. Consent Calendar - Adoption of Ordinance No. 1039 – Amending Shoreline Municipal Code to broaden the scope of public tree management. - Authorization for Change Order with FORMA Construction – A $912,683.85 change order for Park Bond Projects. - The consent calendar was approved 6-0 on a motion by Deputy Mayor Laura Mork, seconded by Councilmember Eben Pobee. Discussion Items Discussion of Resolution No. 522 – Park Facilities ADA Transition Plan - Randy Witt, Interim Engineer, and Lauri Strauss of design2 Last, Inc. presented the draft plan. Edits since the previous meeting included a social equity component in prioritization, a 70-year funding strategy requiring just over $300,000 per biennium (under 10% of General Capital Annual Contributions), and clarified public input processes. - Councilmember John Ramsdell expressed support and requested staff explore a quicker timeline if additional funding becomes available. Mayor Roberts and Deputy Mayor Mork emphasized embedding ADA improvements into planned projects to minimize future disruption. - Mary Reidy, Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Director, noted that many ADA improvements are small and can be integrated into ongoing park developments, with flexibility from grants or other funding. - Council agreed to place the ADA Transition Plan on the consent calendar for the October 6, 2025 meeting. Discussion of Ordinance No. 1044 – Public Works Department Reorganization and Salary Table Amendments - Tricia Juhnke, Public Works Director, introduced the reorganization, which restructures three divisions into Engineering Services, Maintenance Services, and a new Planning and Operations Division. Key changes include creating a Planning and Operations Manager (replacing the Transportation Services Manager) and a new Wastewater Maintenance Superintendent. Several position titles and salary ranges change. - The reorganization results in a net decrease in General Fund contributions but increases to the Surface Water and Wastewater Funds. Juhnke stated the increases can be absorbed within current rate structures and capital project adjustments until the next rate study in 2027. - Councilmembers raised concerns about adding costs to wastewater on top of King County rate increases, and cautioned that the reorganization should focus on job descriptions, not current employees. Juhnke confirmed no new grounds maintenance staff are added, but improved planning may reduce future maintenance issues. - The ordinance is scheduled for action on October 6, 2025, with recruitment for the two new positions planned for late September. Key Outcomes - ADA Transition Plan: Council directed staff to return with Resolution No. 522 for adoption on the consent calendar at the October 6 meeting. - Public Works Reorganization: Council discussed Ordinance No. 1044 and will consider final action on October 6. - Consent Calendar approved 6-0, adopting Ordinance No. 1039 and authorizing the park bond change order. - The meeting adjourned at 7:41 p.m.