Published May 29 2013
Also, Shoreline Master Program update, Sheffels honored
The City Council on Tuesday approved by a vote of 4-2 a new code of ethics ordinance for the council, boards and commissions. It replaces a former code that was based solely on a state statute.
The new code of ethics includes language about prohibited conduct, ethical standards and gifts. It also creates a complaint procedure and calls for an ethics officer, appointed by the council, who will be responsible for the enforcement of code provisions and for providing advisory opinions upon request.
More information is available online with the council agenda item (http://www.bellevuewa.gov/pdf/City%20Council/PacketExtendedStudySession5-28-133c.pdf). A final version of the code of ethics (Ordinance 6110) is expected to be posted online (resolutions page) by early next week.
Shoreline Master Program
Also on Tuesday, the council officially received from the Planning Commission a recommendation on adopting policies and regulations needed to update the city's Shoreline Master Program.
The Shoreline Master Program, or SMP, is a package of amendments to Bellevue's Comprehensive Plan and land use code. Periodic updates of the SMP are required to implement the state Shoreline Management Act and state Department of Ecology regulations.
The Planning Commission, which unanimously approved the SMP recommendations, noted in its transmittal letter to the council, that a primary focus of the state law is to "protect and restore the valuable and fragile natural resources the state's shorelines represent, while fostering 'reasonable and appropriate uses' of the shoreline." The commission's recommendations for the SMP follow nearly five years of work, 49 study sessions and hundreds of comments.
Another study session will be scheduled as the council works to finalize the SMP update. More information is available online as part of the council agenda material (http://www.bellevuewa.gov/pdf/City%20Council/PacketExtendedStudySession5-28-133b.pdf)
Commendation
Pat Sheffels, who has served on the Bellevue Planning Commission for a total of 18 years, beginning in 1993, was honored with a commendation for her "commitment to public service that is unparalleled in the influence she has brought to public planning." Sheffels' current term on the Planning Commission will end on May 31.
A video of the council study session on Tuesday is available on the Bellevue TV web page, which also includes an archive of past council meeting videos.