Nickolas Borer

The City Council meeting included reports from the City Manager on various City activities and reports from Councilmembers detailing attendance at the Behavioral Health Legislative Forum and the NLC Conference. Public comments raised concerns regarding the limited use of Reasonable Use Permits, potential damage to tree roots from bikes and scooters on trails, and the inaccuracy of the draft Critical Areas Ordinance concerning critical aquifer recharge areas. The Consent Calendar was approved, authorizing the City Manager to execute the 2026-2029 Interlocal SeaShore Transportation Forum Agreement, execute an amendment for Hidden Lake Dam removal support services, and adopt a resolution rejecting all bids for the NW Innis Arden Way Boeing Creek Culvert Replacement Project. Study items included a discussion on Ordinance No. 1045, which updates Critical Areas Regulations, focusing on Riparian Management Zones (RMZs) based on WDFW guidance, where staff recommended allowing reductions for existing development. A Councilmember requested clarification on RMZ regulations for physically separated zones, and staff committed to further discussions regarding the Olympic View wellhead protection area. The second study item involved Ordinance No. 1049, updating the Business and Occupation Tax to align with State Senate Bill 5814, which redefined retail sales to include additional services.

The Workshop Dinner Meeting focused on discussions with the 32nd District Legislative Delegation regarding priorities for the upcoming session. Key topics included proposals for transit hub development, bills aimed at streamlining permit processes and rethinking frontage improvements regulations to address the housing crisis. Discussions also covered behavioral health, public safety, law enforcement response to individuals in crisis, and challenges related to the Involuntary Treatment Act. Additional subjects addressed were frontage improvement thresholds, infrastructure management, climate crisis concerns related to data centers and energy demands, wastewater management inefficiency, clean energy initiatives, funding for public defense resources, and human trafficking.

The discussion focused on the relationship between the City Council and the Shoreline Chamber of Commerce regarding small business support. Key topics included expanding the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), strengthening the City and business community partnership, and reviewing adaptive reuse regulations. Concerns were raised regarding current feather sign restrictions, the need for educational solutions over punitive measures for Code Enforcement violations, and general safety and vandalism issues along Aurora. The Police Chief emphasized data-driven prioritization of resources and encouraged reporting incidents. Additionally, finding affordable commercial property and barriers presented by ADA and Fire Code standards in adaptive reuse were discussed, with staff recommending the Council approve adaptive reuse regulations as an incremental step.

The City Council meeting included a City Manager's report covering various City meetings, projects, and events. The Council also reported on an event where the Mayor and Councilmembers hosted the Gambian Ambassador and representatives from the Gambian Embassy and Consulate. The Consent Calendar items approved included the Adoption of Ordinance No. 1046 for the 2025 Comprehensive Plan Annual Docket Amendments and the Adoption of Resolution No. 555 amending the Employee Handbook. Under Action Items, the Council adopted Ordinance No. 1047 concerning the 2025 Development Code Batch Amendments. A significant portion of the discussion on Ordinance No. 1047 involved amendments related to fencing regulations, specifically vinyl coated chain link fences in commercial zones, though a proposed amendment failed to pass. The Council also convened an Executive Session to discuss potential litigation with legal counsel.

The meeting commenced with the City Manager's report covering various City meetings, projects, and events. Council reports included acknowledgments of community art displays, attendance at committee meetings, and the presentation of a Proclamation to the Korean Embassy. Public comments addressed density issues and visibility concerns near local schools. The Consent Calendar was approved unanimously, authorizing expenses/payroll, executing a professional services contract with USIC Locating Services, LLC for underground locating and marking services, and adopting the 2026 State Legislative Priorities. Study items involved discussions on proposed amendments to the 2025 Comprehensive Plan Annual Docket (Ordinance No. 1046), including removing the Bike Level of Traffic Stress Table and revising Countywide Centers Boundary. A separate discussion covered the 2025 Development Code Batch Amendments (Ordinance No. 1047), focusing on Co-Living Housing regulations, temporary uses in commercial zones, site improvement thresholds, and fencing standards. Council members provided input regarding transit-oriented development impact, adaptive reuse, and the prohibition of chain link fencing on commercial properties.