Published December 16 2015
Also, updated traffic impact fees and Mayor Balducci farewell
On Monday four members of the City Council were sworn in to a new term during the body's last session of the year. The group included reelected council members John Chelminiak, John Stokes, Jennifer Robertson and newcomer Vandana Slatter. Council member Slatter will take up the position being vacated by Mayor Claudia Balducci when the council reconvenes on Jan. 4.
Bellevue's seven council members are elected at-large to staggered four-year terms. The council is set to elect a mayor and deputy mayor internally at the council's next meeting. Council member Stokes will preside as temporary chair.
Traffic impact fees
Councilmembers also adopted a modified rate schedule for the city's transportation impact fees that will take effect on Jan. 1. The update, which passed 6-1, incorporates the most up-to-date data on trip generation and length factors. It also includes a "grandfathering" provision allowing applicants to pay their fees at the current rate if the permit process has exceeded the median review time.
The council had previously reviewed and provided feedback on impact fees at three study sessions beginning in July. The impact fee project list consists of transportation improvements needed to provide capacity on city roadways, where the capacity needs are reasonably related in part or in whole to new development. Revenue from the fees are included in the adopted 2015-2021 Capital Investment Program Plan.
Mayor Balducci's last council meeting
Monday marked the final meeting as a Bellevue city councilmember for Mayor Balducci, who was elected to Metropolitan King County Council in November. The meeting opened with warm remarks and commendations about her years of service from her colleagues. In addition, Balducci was treated to comments from several guests including her husband and former Bellevue mayors Grant Degginger and Connie Marshall.
Balducci has served on the council since 2004, working on a number of key issues ranging from regional transportation needs to local arts funding. She begins her term at King County in January, representing District 6 which encompasses the greater Eastside.