Shoreline City Council - 1/11/21 Meeting

Officials and Guests in Attendance
The Mayor and City Council Members. All were prepared, courteous, and attentive.
 
Accessing the Meeting and Materials
The meeting started on time and I was present for the entire meeting. The meeting was easy to access and the agenda was available ahead of time. 
Minutes
Audio
Video

Summary of Discussion
These items, and others, were approved by consent calendar: approving expenses and payroll; approving the extension of interim regulations for outdoor seating;  authorizing City Manager to execute agreement with King County for District Court Services.
 
Environment - Discussion of Ordinance 910 - Expressly Prohibiting Feeding of Waterfowl Feeding
Water pollution from waterfowl waste is an issue in Shoreline’s ponds and lakes. Eliminating park user feeding of waterfowl will be a step in reducing the volume of waterfowl feces to improve water quality and help ensure healthy, safe beaches for recreation.

The City of Shoreline routinely monitors fecal bacteria levels and looks for the presence of toxic algae blooms in Hidden Lake and Echo Lake to ensure swimming beaches are safe for public access. This summer both lakes were closed by the King County Department of Health due to high fecal bacteria levels. Goose feces was notably present at the beach and in the surrounding park.

The Surface Water Utility wants to use signage with education and outreach to encourage residents to stop feeding the  waterfowl to protect water quality.

General agreement by Council Members about the need to improve water quality by reducing waterfowl feces. Some discussion about whether signage or fines would be more effective. Council member Robertson said she appreciates the education first approach. She recognized the negative effect waterfowl feces has on the environment and the recreation areas and Council member McConnell shared her experiences of how waterfowl can become a nuisance when fed regularly.

Mayor Hall said the intent is to set norms for the behavior that is expected in the City, not to creates uncomfortable interactions with those charged with enforcement.

The Council decided - without objection - to add the proposal to the January 25 meeting as an action item.

Report of the City Manager, Debbie Tarry re:  COVID-19 Virus
Today (January 11) Gov. Inslee announced a 2 phase approach in dealing with the COVID virus. Effective January 11, 2021, the State of Washington is launching Healthy Washington – Roadmap to Recovery which will use a regional approach for its upcoming phased recovery plan. The metrics for each region to from Phase 1 to Phase 2 include 10% reductions in the number of cases and hospital admissions. For example:  Phase 1 - no indoor dining to Phase 2 indoor dining at 25% capacity.

End of League Observer's Report. Please see Minutes for additional information.