Published November 25 2015
Also, reviewing transportation impacts fees, Vision Zero and storm and surface water plan update
On Monday, the City Council unanimously approved a motion to allocate funds for the 2016 Eastside Arts Partnership and Special Projects programs. The $110,000 allocation was recommended by the city's Arts Commission, which advises the council on local arts and cultural projects.
Monday's vote was part of the city's ongoing dedication to cultivating art and cultural activity in the community, as described in the recently adopted Comprehensive Plan. Commenting on the applications this year, Arts Commission Chair Paul Manfredi noted the growing number of arts organizations applying for funds and the emerging cultural diversity in local arts organizations, participants and content. He also noted progress and setbacks groups are experiencing in securing space for arts activities in Bellevue.
Impact fee review
Councilmembers were later briefed on the proposed updates to the adopted transportation impact fee rate schedule. Impact fees are charged on development projects to provide partial funding for transportation infrastructure improvements as a way to mitigate growth impacts. The current fee schedule was adopted by the council in 2009 and takes a "stepped" approached to increases, with the next raise scheduled for Jan. 1.
Councilmembers discussed concerns raised by constituents regarding fee increases in regards to development permit applications currently under review. Staff was directed to provide additional information on this issue and to provide possible alternatives to address various permit review timeline factors. The council is expected to discuss and possibly take action on Dec. 7.
Vision Zero
Earlier, the council was introduced to an international transportation public safety program dubbed "Vision Zero." The program is an approach to traffic safety whose ultimate goal is to eliminate traffic deaths and serious injuries. Councilmembers noted the importance of the goal and agreed to discuss the program further at a later meeting.
Storm and surface water system plan
Also on Monday, the council was updated on the latest edition of the Storm and surface water system plan. The plan, which was last updated in 1994, looks at the overall system's needs and makes recommendations for future actions. It was developed through stakeholder engagement, input from the Environmental Services Commission and City Council, other city departments, and neighboring jurisdictions.
The draft plan recommends ongoing investments in the capital program to address flooding, water quality and habit issues. In addition, five strategic initiatives are included as a part of a long-range vision to improve the natural drainage systems and habitat important to Bellevue’s community and quality of life.
Adoption of the plan is scheduled for Dec. 7.