Published April 21 2016
Also, board and commission reappointments and "Stand against racism" proclamation
At its meeting Monday night, the Bellevue City Council received an update from Sound Transit on the draft ST3 System Plan and provided remarks to be included in a comment letter to the ST Board. The council will review the draft comment letter at its April 25 meeting, with a final version expected to be submitted to the ST Board by April 29.
Councilmembers reaffirmed their preference to have Bus Rapid Transit operate in its own right of way or in the express toll lanes to provide the most reliable and frequent service. ST3 proposes Bus Rapid Transit on I-405 from Kirkland to Renton in the toll lanes but with limited stops. North of Kirkland, BRT is proposed to run in the general purpose lanes or on the shoulder of I-405 in a pilot program.
In late March the draft ST3 System Plan was released for public comment. Comments are being accepted through April 29 at upcoming public meetings and through an online survey. ST3 is slated to appear before regional voters on the November ballot.
Board and commission reappointments
Later, councilmembers unanimously approved recommendations for reappointments to Bellevue's Arts, Planning and Transportation commissions, in addition to the Library Board. The appointees' terms will run through May 31, 2020.
- Arts Commission -- Vikram Madan, Paul Manfredi and Becky Lewis
- Library Board -- Barbara Spindel
- Planning Commission -- Aaron Laing
- Transportation Commission -- Clifford Chirls, Victor Bishop
The council appoints residents to boards, commissions and committees to provide detailed study and recommendations on important policy matters. There are currently vacancies on the Parks and Community Services Board and Transportation Commission. Residents interested in applying may do so online.
Bellevue's "stand against racism"
The council opened its full session by joining the YWCA in proclaiming April 29 as "Stand Against Racism Day." The YWCA's campaign is an effort to build community among those who work for racial justice and to raise awareness about the negative impact of all types of racism in our communities. As stated in Bellevue's "Council Vision," the city has made an ongoing commitment to equity, access, inclusion and opportunity for all people.
