Published October 4 2018
During the study session on Monday, the City Council received a briefing on its negotiations of the draft vendor agreement for the advanced metering infrastructure or smart water meter system. Smart meters provide customers with benefits such as early leak detection and the ability to proactively monitor water usage to control bills.
Smart metering technology, which supports the city’s overarching Bellevue Smart plan, is more cost effective than the current manual-read program. In December 2016, the council approved the Utilities Department’s proposed 2017-18 budget, which included over $23 million in capital funding for the smart water meter system. Rates will not be raised to pay for the improvements.
The briefing also provided an overview of the technology’s capabilities, a profile of the proposed technology partner and a summary of its outreach efforts and pending plans. The goal of the discussion was to get feedback from councilmembers on the agreement before it is presented for a vote at a future meeting.
Additional details can be found in the agenda packet materials.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Bellevue field house concept
Later, councilmembers received an update on the Boys & Girls Clubs of Bellevue field house concept. The organization has proposed funding the design, construction, maintenance and operation of an athletic field house on city property. The proposal would follow a model like the city’s gymnasium partnership at Hidden Valley Park, which includes collaborative programming.
The council directed the Parks & Community Services Board to establish a process to review the proposal including site analysis, and staff is to prepare a management brief outlining this process for the council. In addition, the board has been directed to engage the public, provide opportunities for feedback and deliver a recommendation to councilmembers regarding the concept.
More information is available in the council’s agenda packet materials.
Environmental Services Commission appointment
The council approved the appointment of Negin Khanloo to the Environmental Services Commission. Council liaison Jared Nieuwenhuis recommended Khanloo for Position 2, a partial term expiring on May 31, 2019.
Retiring City Attorney Lori Riordan honored
At the top of the regular session, the council took a minute to commend retiring City Attorney Lori Riordan for her 30 years of public service. She began her career with the city in 1988 and has successfully represented Bellevue as litigator on a number of municipal-related issues. Councilmembers and fellow staff praised Riordan for her steady leadership, sound legal advice and pleasant work style.
The full discussion is available to view online (starting at the 5:20 mark) via Bellevue TV.