Published November 16 2016
Also, Development Services and Utilities update on fees
At an extended study session on Monday evening, the City Council was updated on accomplishments and future work items for the city's Diversity Advantage plan. Before the presentation, Mayor John Stokes opened with comments reiterating Bellevue's commitment to protecting and serving all people in the community.
"Let me reassure you all tonight that the City of Bellevue remains strongly committed to our policy of inclusion," said Stokes. "It is why we created the Diversity Advantage plan and have made this work a council priority."
The council adopted the plan in 2014. It outlines 60 recommended actions grouped into six focus areas: cultural competence, human services, public safety, education, economic development and civic engagement. Many of the actions require the continued development of community partnerships and engaging residents with open lines of communication.
Staff pointed to a number of achievements over the past two years such as the "Dialogue with our Muslim Neighbors" forum last spring, ongoing cultural competence training for staff and city leadership, and the creation of the Bellevue Diversity Advantage Network in October. BDAN is a group of 21 members who will provide advice to staff on ways to improve the city's ability to communicate and engage with the community.
Goals for 2017 include exploring the creation of a civic engagement class for diverse residents, recommendations on the Minority Women Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Inclusion Plan, and adopting an ADA self-evaluation plan.
More information on the Diversity Advantage plan and related efforts can be found at Diversity.
Update on proposed fee increases
Councilmembers were later briefed on proposed fee increases for development services and for water, wastewater and stormwater service. The raises are being considered as part of the 2017-18 budget process.
Due to inflation in labor and operating costs, Development Services has proposed to increase hourly fees beginning next year. These increases range from 3.1 percent for land use review to 4.3 percent for Utilities reviews and inspections. The adjustments are based on the actual cost of delivering permit review and inspection services and reflects the council's policy of cost recovery for these types of services.
Bellevue Utilities has proposed a 4 percent rate increase overall for water, wastewater and stormwater service for 2017 and 2018. The rate increase will ensure that residents and businesses continue to receive the high level of service they have come to expect. The average residential customer's bill will increase by a little over $6 per month for each year.
Utilities staff noted how seriously they take rate increases and the impacts they have on customers. The department's rates continue to be competitive -- in the mid-range when compared with neighboring cities. Consistent with council-adopted financial policies, Bellevue Utilities' goal is to keep rate increases gradual and uniform, and maintain rate equity so that each generation pays their fair share. Bellevue is also one of the few cities proactively putting money away for infrastructure replacement -- a practice that will protect customers from future rate spikes.