Politics & Government

Shoreline Council Decides Unanimously to Ask Voters for Approval of SPU Acquisition

Council backs staff recommendations to ask voters to approve the acquisition of the Seattle Public Utility water system that covers two-thirds of Shoreline

The Shoreline City Council voted unanimously 7-0 to ask voters to OK the city's plan to purchase the Seattle Public Utility water system that covers two-thirds of the city of Shoreline.

After hearing a that was supported by city manager Julie Underwood and public works director Mark Relph, the Councilmembers each gave reasons why they are supporting the proposition which would likely lead to acquistion of the water system in 2020.

The city wants to have command over the water system to control rates, instead of paying a premium to Seattle as well as be able to decide how and when to upgrade the infrastructure and coordinate economic development projects.

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"This is about local control," Shoreline mayor Keith McGlashan said.

McGlashan reminded everyone that Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn who initially balked at selling to SPU's Shoreline portion had come around and agreed it was the right thing to do for regional relationships between cities.

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Councilman Jesse Salomon said while he was skeptical at first, after studying the issue and following the public process of due diligence by a 23-person city appointed committee, and meeting with people on both sides of the issue, he decided it was "a great deal."

Councilman Will Hall agreed calling the proposal, "a slam-dunk," and "rock-solid winner."

Councilmember Doris McConnell said it was "not close call," and gave her support as did Councilmember Shari Winstead, who said it was "in the best interests of the citizens of Shoreline."Β 

Critics of the proposed plan to buy the water system believe the Shoreline Council is being naive. Seattle could raise the price, the city of Shoreline could be sued for violating state law and rates in the end could go up more than they are now.

However, the Council believes that those fears of change are unfounded and the fact remains the city of Shoreline could decide to walk away from negotiations should the price be too high.

Councilmember Chris Eggen said there is some risk but it would take several unlikely events to occur for the purchase to be bad deal for the city.

The City Council also approved the appointment of members of pro and con committees for Proposition 1, the SPU water acquistion.

The pro committee is David Harris, Joseph Irons, Sis Polin. The con committee is John Behrens, Tom Jamieson and Art Maronek. All six are Shoreline residents. Five people applied to be on the pro committee and four people applied to be on the con committee.

Statements by the committees must be submitted to King County elections by Aug. 15. Rebuttals are due Aug. 17.Β 


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