Published December 9 2015
Also, saving the historic Burrows cabin, parks grant for Inspiration Playground and Vision Zero
The City Council Monday unanimously approved a modification of 2015-2016 biennial budget and the 2015-2021 Capital Investment Program Plan. Highlights of the adjusted budget include the restoration of the city's police bike patrol unit, $150,000 for continued work on electrical reliability and $75,000 in funding for Music Works Northwest, a nonprofit community music school downtown.
Monday's adopted budget is part of a state-mandated review, and mid-biennium changes are routine. This year's budget amendment totaled $20,375,144 across all funds, including both operating and capital. The process, which began in October, involved three study sessions and a public hearing with councilmembers.
Preserving Bellevue's oldest structure
In response to concerns raised by residents during budget discussions, the council also approved the dedication of $150,000 to relocate Bellevue's oldest surviving structure, the Burrows Cabin. The cabin was originally built by Civil War veteran Albert Burrows in 1883. Its current site on 112th Avenue Northeast is slated for redevelopment, and the owner has pledged a contribution of $10,000 to assist in the preservation. Relocation to the new site is expected to take place next summer.
Inspiration Park grant
Councilmembers also voted to accept a $500,000 grant for Downtown Park's Inspiration Playground from the State of Washington's Recreation Conservation Office. The agreement allows the city to access the grant funds which were approved as part of the state budget in June 2015.
The innovative play area is designed to be a universally-accessible space where kids of all ages and abilities can play and explore at their own pace. The Bellevue Rotary, a project partner, has raised approximately $1,500,000 in community donations.
Endorsing Vision Zero
Finally, the council unanimously adopted a resolution endorsing Vision Zero, an ambitious approach to traffic safety, which seeks to eliminate serious injuries and traffic deaths in Bellevue by 2030. Moving forward, the council will ask the city's Transportation Commission to review the current comprehensive plan and determine how traffic safety improvements can be incorporated during the 2016 amendment cycle. Vision Zero is supported by a number of agencies, including the state Department of Transportation and King County.