Council Roundup: City adopts 2017-18 budget

On Monday, the City Council unanimously approved the city's 2017-18 budget and 2017-23 Capital Investment Program plan. Commenting on the ordinance, council members praised the biennial budget for being fiscally responsible, in line with the council's priorities and vision, and demonstrating caring support for critical human service programs.

Monday night's vote caps a year-long process that included three public hearings. Since 2010, Bellevue has used a budgeting method called "Budget One." The process emphasizes community outcomes, not departments. It involves a series of steps aimed at creating a government based on available funding which is then connected to specific outcomes. The final budget totals $1.5 billion, with $1 billion for all operating funds, $65 million allocated for restricted special purposes and $413 million in CIP funds.

More information as well as final budget details can be found on the budget page.

Economic Development's destination development plan
During the extended study session, the council was briefed on the latest work being done by Bellevue's "destination development strategy" partnership. Led by the city's Office of Economic Development, the strategic initiative is being done collaboratively with Visit Bellevue Washington and the Meydenbauer Center. The ultimate purpose is to create a more vibrant community that's able to attract new visitors, conventions and meetings.

Earlier this year, the effort launched phase 1, which sought to create a situational analysis, essentially a snapshot of "where we are today." The analysis involved extensive outreach to the city's hotels, restaurants, shops and museums. Additional information was gathered via an online survey that received over 800 responses from travelling visitors. This data was then used to create a "conceptual framework." The report, completed in September, lays out seven general themes that provide insight as to how the final strategy can be organized.

Beginning in 2017, the partnership will commence with phase 2 and create an implementation plan with defined strategies and tactics for market growth. The council will be briefed on the final strategy after it is tentatively completed next summer.

Verizon small cell project and city rights of way
The study session concluded with an update on Verizon Wireless' small cell project. The carrier made an application for three projects in Bellevue, which some residents have voiced concerned over due to visual impacts. Small cells are communication nodes on utility or street light polls that work in groups to provide consistent, high-quality voice and data cell service. Small cell technology is different from the larger, higher-impact macro cell towers used by cell phone companies to provide coverage, as they generally have smaller equipment and installation heights.

Verizon submitted a complete right of way use agreement application for the sites in August, and the city is compelled by federal and state regulations to approve the application within 120 days. Since August, the city has been negotiating with Verizon Wireless to promote designs that provide the needed connectivity enhancements while safeguarding community interests. The installation of the small cells advances Bellevue's commitment to connectivity and becoming a "smart city."

Moving forward, staff said they plan to propose Land Use Code refinements in the long term to streamline the regulatory process when size and concealment requirements for small cell technology are met. The right of way use agreement is scheduled to come before the council next week.