Published May 25 2016
Also, King County Metro Connects comment letter approved
Some of the key actions the City Council took on Monday at its extended study session included approving outreach for potential ballot measures intended to support capital funding for neighborhood connectivity and upgrades to fire facilities. Councilmembers also finalized a comment letter to King County Metro regarding its long-range plan.
Outreach to begin on potential public safety ballot measures
The council has been considering ways to bridge the gap between much-needed capital investments and available funding. Such is the case for long-range capital needs as they relate to neighborhood safety and connectivity and adequate fire services facilities to serve the entire community. Both of these issues are among the council's 2016-2017 priorities and identified as top priorities for residents and businesses in recent surveys.
Fire Chief Mark Risen summarized key findings from the 2014 Fire Facilities Plan, which recommended enhancements to fire stations, facilities and equipment to better serve anticipated growth.
Ron Kessack, assistant director for the Transportation Department also addressed key areas in need of funding outside what is covered by the city's Capital Investment Program: neighborhood safety and connectivity, sidewalk maintenance, new sidewalk/pathway connections, new bicycle connections, congestion management and implementation of the Intelligent Transportation System master plan.
Councilmembers gave staff approval to proceed with an outreach plan that will engage residents around these themes through a variety of outreach opportunities. Scheduled first is a discussion by the city's Transportation Commission on Thursday around the transportation themes of neighborhood safety and connectivity.
Councilmembers expressed interest in hearing about whether these themes resonated with residents, and whether there were other areas of investment high on residents' priority lists. Councilmembers said they frequently hear anecdotally that people are frustrated getting around the city to other neighborhoods and destinations.
Residents and businesses will also have the opportunity to learn more about potential transportation and fire facility projects and provide feedback at three open houses throughout Bellevue. These open houses will be 5-7 p.m. at:
- June 28 -- Bellevue Youth Theatre
- June 29 -- South Bellevue Community Center, community rooms A & B
- June 30 -- City Hall, room 1E-108
The current capital investment plan identifies approximately $400 million available for funding of capital projects not financed through voter indebtedness or ongoing maintenance, but it also identifies more than $1.2 billion in potential capital projects.
In addition to the potential capital investment ballot as a method of funding, Bellevue is also in the process of applying for a federal Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation loan that, if received, would support needed BelRed corridor projects. The city continues to fund parks and open space investments through a levy approved by voters in 2008.
The council has not made a legislative decision regarding the potential ballot measure, and will receive updates on the projects and community response in June and July.
Council expresses goals for Metro's future transit services in comment letter
Later in the evening the council unanimously approved a comment letter on the draft King County Metro Transit Long Range Plan, known as "Metro Connects."
Metro Connects closely mirrors the goals and priorities outlined in Bellevue's Transit Master Plan, which the council approved in July 2014, and describes a vision for frequent, reliable and fast transit service that meets the demand for the region's population growth. The council comment letter reiterates Bellevue's support for increased Metro bus service hours on the Eastside, improved integration of transit services and better system access through pedestrian, bicycle and commuter parking options.