Published March 29 2024
Plus, water supply contract discussion, major federal funding approved, employee benefits change and more
NOTE: The council’s next regular Bellevue City Council meeting will be April 16, following a switch to holding council meetings on Tuesdays rather than Mondays
The City Council heard an update Monday on Bike Bellevue, a project to implement bicycle network improvements in the city's urban core — including downtown, Wilburton and BelRed.
Work on the project started in March 2023. Throughout the past year, staff worked with the Transportation Commission to develop a draft Design Concepts Guide and to seek community input on the proposed design concepts contained in the guide.
At Monday’s meeting, the council directed the commission to develop a recommendation for each of the 11 Bike Bellevue corridors, placing them in seven different categories. The categories range from implementing improvements as soon as possible to no longer including the corridors in the work of Bike Bellevue.
The council emphasized its continued support for making data-informed decisions, prioritizing connectedness and focusing on corridors along the High Injury Network. More information about Bike Bellevue can be found on the Bike Bellevue web page.
New water supplier contracts under consideration
Bellevue Utilities and Cascade Water Alliance briefed the council on the status of water supply negotiations with Seattle Public Utilities and Tacoma Public Utilities. Bellevue is a member of Cascade Water Alliance, a regional water supply agency and wholesale water provider.
Cascade currently purchases water from SPU and provides it to Bellevue and other members of the alliance. Cascade’s board will soon provide direction on which supplier they would pursue a new contract with and plans to approve the new contract in the fall. The presentation outlined the proposals from SPU and TPU.
Federal funding to support public safety, sustainability and digital equity
Intergovernmental Relations staff updated council on three major initiatives that will receive funding approved in the latest federal appropriations bills. Specifically, the bills will deliver:
- $1 million for Bellevue and Redmond electric fire engines and charging infrastructure
- $963,000 for the Bellevue Police body-worn camera program
- $500,000 for the digital equity for affordable housing program
More information is available in the meeting materials.
Employee benefits change for on-the-job injuries
Acting City Manager Diane Carlson announced a change in city policy that will ensure Police Officer Kevin Bereta's existing medical coverage will continue over the coming months, giving him the chance to focus on recuperating and returning to the Police Department. This two-year interim solution will provide extended reimbursement for medical insurance premiums after serious on-the-job injuries, available to Officer Bereta and any city employee who experiences a workplace injury or illness resulting in a temporary disability that prevents them from working sufficient hours to maintain benefits.
Council appoints members to Bellevue boards and commissions
The council appointed community members to the Arts Commission, Parks and Community Services Board, Planning Commission and Transportation Commission. More information on board and commissions can be found on the city's Boards and Commissions page.
Sexual Assault Awareness Month Proclamation
The council issued a proclamation in honor of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, encouraging advocates and communities to join together to take action to prevent sexual violence by standing with survivors.