Meeting Notes - September 15, 2008

Welcome - Don Winters & Mark Eliasen:  Thank you for coming on the nicest day of the month.  If you want to get involved with planning please contact Mark or Don and they welcome your interest and ideas for topics.

• BNSF Rail Line – Rail and Trail or Just Trail with No Rail? – Leading proponents of the alternatives will discuss the options and answer your questions: Had another group come in and talk to us before the property was set.  Now the Port of Seattle has purchased the land and this will have an impact on Kirkland .  There are two groups with different ideas of what to do with the land and we have both sides:
• BNSF Part One: Kristin Trace – Eastside Trail Advocates – want to turn the rail line into a bike/pedestrian commuter path.  No rail.  Port of Seattle owns it.  King County wants to develop a trail. 
  • Why non-motorized trail – people want to live and work here- do not just end up here.  Choose to live here.  Cost effective.  Believe it will help with traffic as people will bike more.  Preserve the small town feel here in Kirkland .  Hooks up to the current paths.  Believes trail will bring people to Kirkland – much like the Burke-Gillman trail.  Because of the wide grade it is a good bike commuter path. 
  • Does not believe the train would benefit Kirkland .  Would be used more by people North to commute South through Kirkland .
  • Almost 2,000 people commute by bike and since it will hook into the Burke-Gillman trail it will allow people to commute into Seattle by bike
  • Train would cost an estimated $300 million and there are many points in which it would be difficult or impossible to have both bike/pedestrian and train.  Trains would increase traffic problems because the train crosses major roads and would back up traffic.
  • Rail path is near 4 schools in Kirkland and it might be a safety issue for kids crossing roads
  • Eastside trail advocates wants an interim trail – no train until all of the issues are covered (money, ridership, etc).  Put the trail in now and use it that way until the issues are covered.
  • Company most likely to be awarded to use the contract has indicated that they are likely to use diesel engines.  Packets containing information and cost analysis and types of vehicles can be obtained from the group.  Shows why it might work in San Diego , but not here and why.  Also can obtain a letter from the City of Snohomish showing why they do not want the rail.
  • http://www.eastsidetrailadvocates.org/ - local grassroots group.  Working to stay informed and ensure that all planning is out in the open. 
• BNSF  Part Two:  Tom Jones:  Cascadia/Discovery Institute – local public think tank that are involved in local transportation issues.  Tom is a transportation engineer consultant with a contract to Cascadia. 
  • Argued for the purchase of the property and believe that it should be used for both rail and trail and does not operate in opposition to any group.  As a 501©(3) entity they cannot benefit from this or operate it they are just here to bring ideas to the table.
  • BNSF applied to NTSB to abandon the rail line and no longer operate trains on the line.  It is currently an active freight train corridor.  If the  NTSB approves the abandonment then the Port of Seattle will buy it and the land will be rail banked which means if needed even if rails have been ripped up rails could be put back in the future per federal regulations.
  • Sound Transit has $50 million in the proposition we are voting on in November that will pay for part of this rail corridor.
  • Port had 5 informational meetings.  Not hearings.  Official hearing on the issue will be held in Jan-June 2009.
  • Cascadia has a vision of what is possible.  Does not exclude the trail, but does include the rail.  They feel an inexpensive, utilitarian transit option that will be the best use for everyone in the region – not just Kirkland .
  • There are issues for cities around the corridor and they should be addressed – safety, crime, traffic issues, noise, property values.  Investigated some of the issues- so far they have not be able to find one fatality on the corridor to date.  Probably are – but none has shown up.  Crime – spoke to a doctorial dissertation candidate who is exploring crime and transit and her studies have found that crime goes down when transit goes in – more lighting, traffic, security, etc.  Property values- when rail is going in property values go down and once the rail goes in the usual go back up.  Most studies will not address these issues- they will just address ridership and cost.  There has not yet been an investment grade ridership study nor a great cost study as yet.
  • Shows picture of San Luis Obispo corridor with trail and rail co-existing. 
  • Showed video of Oceanside/Escondido rail line.  Shows the DMU which is the type of vehicle that might be used on the line to show how quiet the train could be.   Run by two bus engines.  Showed safety fences to keep people off line.  Has pedestrian overpasses.  Buy tickets from Kiosks.  Random fare checks.  This was shown to illustrate what might be put in.  Showed that train crossing an intersection the crossing took 47 seconds.   Welded rail – continuous so no click-clack.
• BNSF: Part Three Questions
  • How much – including grade separations will be about $280 million.
  • However – estimate versus real cost usually is not close.  Usually costs more.
  • Asks Cascadia how are they supporting trail – did not show possibility of rail and trail together – question as to where would the money come from? 
  • There are nine pinch points where the corridor is less than 100 feet wide – some places where it is closer to 30-50 feet.  Making it harder to have both.
  • Bob Sternoff – asked the Eastside trail people if they know the history of the thoughts of people on the trail – in the past the people living along the route were opposed to trail as well – about 8 years ago.  Pointed out all of the same issues as with rail – so he advised them to go back and look at the history too – just to see how ideas have changed.  City of Kirkland Parks department has memos and plans on this from years ago if you are interested in the history. About 14 years ago Kirkland wanted to put in a trail there within the City limits – along with the rail with the consent of BNSF.  Did not go anywhere.
  • How many stations would there be – 8 on the line. 
  • Would all trains run the full route?  Point was made that some is Sound Transit and some is Snohomish County .  Needs to be a partnership between the two cities. 
  • What would the tracks be?  Will the tracks fit the trains of the future?  Answer – rail is a standard gauge – so different kinds of trains will run on the tracks.
  • Please note you do not get to vote on this specific issue – make your views known directly to the Port of Seattle .  Make note of the hearings next Spring and make your thoughts known.
  • How many trains would be bought, when would they run?  Where will they pass?  These are estimates – train each direction every 30 minutes for 16 hours.  This is the maximum amount.  This is just a proposal. It would be about 8 or 9 trains.  Three passing sites from Bellevue to Snohomish.
  • If you want to make your views known talk to your City Council, Port of Seattle , King County (Ron Sims says he supports), State Rep.
  • CA ( Oceanside ) 22 miles long – double track – did not have a trail and they are adding it now.  $400 million for the 22 miles.  That one is still an active freight line at night.
  • Some ways to fund include transportation funding districts.  Might be able to tie into an theoretical proposed electrical vehicle charging site at the South Kirkland park and ride.
  • Disagreement between the Tom and Kristin  as to the potential rider base and if the area between Snohomish and Renton is similar to Oceanside CA .  Kristin does not believe the areas are similar.
  • Cascadia is hosting a trip including two local residents to see how it works in Oceanside .  If you are interested contact representative Ron Hunter.
  • Comment was made we need more public transportation.  Eastside believes we do need more as well – but thinks buses are the answer.
  • How would bikes and pedestrians cross the crossing?   Answer – they would have to wait for traffic lights.  You just have to wait.  Maybe in the future there might be money for over or underpasses. 
  • Made the point to see how quick the crossings are in Portland.   
  • What is Cascadia’s role – they are here to look at regional transportation issues.  Funded in part by Bill and Melinda Gates foundation.  Do not take money from train companies.  Just look at what they believe is the best way to provide transportation in the area.  Cascadia stated that people down along Lake Washington and they like the idea according to them.  If Kirkland people do not want it there are ways to bypass Kirkland
  • For more information on Eastside Trail Advocates go to: http://www.eastsidetrailadvocates.org/
  • For more information on Cascadia go to: http://www.cascadiaproject.org/transportationWashington/
• Personal Security, Crime and Identity Theft Prevention for Kirkland Residents – Officer Alan O’Neil, Kirkland Police Department 
  • Identity Theft – has anyone here been a victim of identity theft.  No one here as yet.  
  • How does this usually start –people get bills for accounts they do not have, creditors call for accounts you do not have.
  • How do they get your information?  Ordering things on the Internet on unsecure sites.  Phishing – you get a random e-mail from a Bank or company saying you need to verify your information – this is a scam.  Do not reply.  If you get one call your bank – do not reply to them.  From your mail.  If you do not have a shedder get one.  Bob Sternoff is suggesting a shredding day – get a company to come and have a day shred all their documents.   Just use your number.  Now they can clone your card.
  • How do you protect yourself?  Run your credit report frequently to see if there are errors or fraud or things you have not charged.
  • Best to stay on top of as it is hard to fix.   Good website on how to manage and fix these issues: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/
  • Call the Kirkland Police department – they will take a report and you can use this to help repair the charges.  If you know quickly enough sometimes the police can run the surveillance tapes and see who is picking up the people.
  • Do not give your card number to telemarketers.  They often are phishing as well looking for your information.
  • If you are skeptical call the BBB or the AG’s office.  You can report this to the police and they will start a file and can follow up.
  • Some banks are good about working with people and others are not as good.  Some card companies call you to verify charges.  Also debit cards are not as protected as credit cards.  
  • Banking online is a little safer as some people are stealing checks from the mail and washing them and re-writing them.  Do not put checks in unlocked mailboxes.    If you want your own locked mailbox you need to work with the local post office to get one.
  • Do not carry your Social Security card with you.  If you do not want to provide your SSN you may not have to. http://www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10002.html#protect 
  • Donotcall.gov  - to opt out of telemarketers. 
  • Local crime – what information is available about local crime statistics?  How can I get this information?  What data is available.  If you want to know vehicle prowls, etc.  Answer-  getting new software to help track.  If you go up to the Press board in City Hall you can check the list.
  • City does try to alert the public if there are a lot of incidents.  Try to get it out in the news and local papers.  Problem is it is moving target.  
  • Call the police if you hear something suspicious.  Do not wait until the morning.  Sometimes they can stop the incident. 
  • Is anything being done about Downtown crime?  Using more walking patrols.  Limited staff.  Try to keep 5 to 6 officers on at night and one Sergeant.  Have to patrol the entire city as well as downtown.  During the summer there is an emphasis on foot patrol.  Try to keep a visible presence.  Doing some undercover work as well.  Looking into what is going on in the Parks.  Considering staggered closing times for the bars.
  • How safe is Peter Kirk park at night? Lots of juveniles.  Answer – Kirkland is safe.  Which is why there is a lot of property crime because people leave their doors unlocked.  However very low incidents of violent crimes.
  • What are the incidents that are occurring the park?  What are the natures of most of the crimes – some drugs, some petty theft – more at the transit center.  
• Announcements: 
  • PACE Race for prostate cancer will be held on Sunday, November 2nd.  If you are interested in signing up or volunteering check out https://secure.getmeregistered.com/get_information.php?event_id=1732
  • CERT: Interested in learning how to protect yourself and the community?  The Kirkland fire department is offering an 8 week series of classes on how to react in an emergency situation.  Classes are Wednesday nights and one Saturday starting on September 17th.  For more information or to register go to: http://www.ci.kirkland.wa.us/depart/Fire_and_Building/prepare/cert.htm
  • Market Supper – Kirkland Wednesday Market – September 17th.  A harvest dinner to benefit the Kirkland Market and raise funds to help relocate the Market next year while the Transit Center is being built.  For more details go to: http://www.kirklandwednesdaymarket.org/events.htm
• Neighborhood Projects:
  • Google – taken occupancy of building to start building out interior spaces.  May start moving employees in around February at the earliest. 
  • Bank of America – Project has been rejected by the City Council. SRM has appealed the council rejection in Superior Court.
  • McLeod Project – Project is approved and building permits have been applied for, but project is currently on hold.  No current start date.
  • Nettleton project – 26 houses approved.  The site work is underway.  Home construction will be phased. Some homes have already been pre-sold.
  • US Bank – no current plans.   May be waiting to see if building moratorium goes through.
  • Chaffey building:  Has had a preliminary meeting with DRB to propose a 4 story mixed use building.
  • 323 Lake Street S.  For sale for $3.4 million – zoned single family
  • 2nd Ave and State – will not build until a tenant is found.  One possibility is a health club.  Asked question if neighborhood would have issue – answer no if there is adequate parking.
  • ParkPlace – still with Planning commission.  City Council has study sessions on proposed variances in October and November.  October 22nd and 23rd there will be public hearings.  December 16th Council meeting – possible ruling on proposal. 
  • Unitarian church.  Renovation to be complete in November.  Bottom to be used for daycare center.
  • Library:  Will not start remodel until January at earliest.  Signed an agreement with ParkPlace books to use part of space for holds and limited computer use and functions.  Hoping to be able to keep holding story times in Downtown.  Partnering with churches and daycare centers.  If you know a location please contact library