City of Shoreline

The council received presentations from Lake City Partners for Ending Homelessness and the Shoreline/Lake Forest Park Senior Center. Discussions centered on the operational successes and challenges of the Oaks Enhanced Shelter, including the need for additional housing and resources to address homelessness among older adults. The Senior Center shared updates on its programming, efforts to mitigate funding and service challenges, and the impact of new sales tax requirements on program participants. Additionally, the council reviewed the Senior Center's upcoming transition from Sound Generations and potential partnership opportunities to improve service delivery and housing support.

The Council held a workshop dinner meeting to discuss the operations and impact of the Regional Crisis Response (RCR) Agency. The discussion covered the agency's interlocal agreement, the goals of providing crisis response alternatives to police and fire, and challenges regarding communication systems across cities. The RCR representatives presented 2025 service data, highlighting the number of unique individuals served and a reduction in jail bookings. The Council expressed interest in exploring additional resources and strategies for community crisis response.

The meeting commenced with the Mayor reading a statement regarding enforcement tactics by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), reaffirming commitment to community safety and peaceful protest rights. A proclamation declared January 30, 2026, as Edwin T. Pratt Day of Remembrance. Key discussions under the Consent Calendar included the approval of various previous meeting minutes, payroll/expenses, adoption of an ordinance amending impact fees for Fire Protection Facilities, and authorizations for contract amendments related to upfitting Ford trucks and professional services for the 145th Street Interchange and Pedestrian Improvements Project. The Council also authorized compensation for the extension of temporary property rights for the 148th Street Non-Motorized Bridge Project. A community presentation highlighted the work of Diggin' Shoreline, a nonprofit focused on community gardening, including efforts to reactivate the Ching Garden property. In Action Items, the Council adopted Resolution No. 559, formally declaring support for Shoreline School District Ballot Propositions No. 1 (Educational Programs and Operations Levy) and No. 2 (Technology Improvements and Support Levy). A study item involved discussion regarding an ordinance to add the Naval Chapel at Fircrest and the Charnley House to the Landmark Preservation Code. The session concluded with an Executive Session concerning litigation matters.

The meeting commenced with the recognition of outgoing Councilmember John Ramsdell's service. The City Manager provided a report on various City activities. Council reports covered attendance at external meetings concerning human services, economic development, and the Sound Cities Association. Public comments addressed traffic safety, demands for traffic enforcement changes, the need to protect critical aquifer recharge zones, cyclist safety solutions, and urging the adoption of a target zero ordinance for traffic violence. The Consent Calendar included approvals for minutes from prior workshop dinner meetings and the regular meeting of November 17, 2025, authorization for an amendment with Atwell, LLC for crossing and RRFB projects, agreements for utility work related to the Barnacle Creek Culvert Replacement Project, an amendment for Public Defense Services, and the adoption of an ordinance increasing the Shoreline Transportation Benefit District Vehicle License Fee. Action items involved a Public Hearing on extending interim regulations prohibiting the removal of large trees in Town Center zones, with discussion on permanent regulations and PFAS contamination concerns related to wellhead protection areas. The Council also took action on a resolution amending fee schedules for hazardous tree removal, which passed despite some member reservations regarding tree canopy maintenance. Additionally, the Council adopted an ordinance updating Critical Areas Regulations, including changes to the riparian management zone and provisions related to wellhead protection areas, although the latter was subject to future clarification. A study item presented the 2024 Annual Traffic Report, noting an increase in total crashes but a decrease in fatal/serious injury crashes, and discussed enforcement challenges regarding parking violations and staffing in the Police Traffic Unit. The session concluded with an Executive Session concerning potential litigation related to the U.S. Department of Transportation Second Amended and Restated Grant Agreement for the RAISE Program, following which the Council authorized the City Manager to pursue legal remedies.

The meeting commenced with an Oath of Office Ceremony for four newly elected Councilmembers, performed by Shoreline District Court Judge Raul Martinez. Following roll call, the Council elected Betsy Robertson as Mayor and Eben Pobee as Deputy Mayor. A proclamation declaring January 19, 2026, as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day was adopted. The City Manager provided a report on various City matters. Key discussions and approvals on the Consent Calendar included adopting Ordinance No. 1051, which extends interim regulations prohibiting the removal of large trees in specific zoning districts; authorizing grant agreements for flood reduction projects; executing construction contracts for the NW Innis Arden Way Boeing Creek Culvert Replacement Project; authorizing a professional services agreement for sidewalk design; and executing agreements related to property tax exemptions, parks tax levies, open space purchases, artist services for a sculpture, and enhanced recreation services with the City of Lake Forest Park. The Council also approved an amendment to the design contract for the N 175th Street Improvements Project. In an Action Item, Amber Clark was appointed to the Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services/Tree Board for a term expiring March 31, 2029. A Study Item involved a discussion regarding Ordinance No. 1052, which amends Shoreline Municipal Code Chapter 3.25 to establish a new 2026 Impact Fee Schedule for Fire Protection Facilities for residential uses, including a proposed rate of $1.34 per square foot.