Published December 14 2016
Also, affordable housing plan update and Vision Zero
Bellevue's independent Salary Commission on Monday presented its decision on establishing an updated salary level for the City Council. After being appointed in early October to study and establish a salary, the commission approved an increase for each council position. The new schedule, formally adopted at the commission's Dec. 8 meeting, is based on the application of the cost of living adjustment (COLA) increase since the last comprehensive review of council pay occurred in 1999.
Commissioners cited two "easily definable and justifiable" factors in their decision. The first was the long period of time, 16 years, since the last increase. Second was fairness and tying any increase to a COLA, used by the city, which is linked to the consumer price index. As per the final report, councilmember salaries will now start at $2,394 a month, with the deputy mayor's salary at $2,539 a month and the mayor's salary at $2,829 a month, replicating the "purchasing power of 2000 (year) dollars." The new council salaries are scheduled to take effect Jan. 7.
Last August, the council adopted Ordinance 6306 which created a salary commission authorized under RCW 35.21.015. The commission, made up of five Bellevue residents, was appointed by Mayor John Stokes with council concurrence. The group was charged with establishing a salary by Dec. 31, and will now disband. Residents have 30 days to review and, if they wish, challenge the decision through a referendum.
Affordable housing strategy work continues
The council also received a progress report on the affordable housing strategy project. Staff continues to work closely with a technical advisory group to review a range of potential actions. The ultimate goal is to provide the city with a list of bold actions that will have a measureable impact.
During the discussion, councilmembers recommended outreach to groups such as seniors, students and the startup community, in addition to the general public and other stakeholder groups that have already been identified. Additional comments included the need for a case study of the successful actions taken to preserve the Highland Village Apartments last summer.
In response to ongoing concerns voiced by residents around the city, the council made developing "an affordable housing plan for the needs of our diverse population" one of its 2016-17 priorities. A complete draft strategy for the council to review is expected in March. Staff will continue to work with a team of consultants and the advisory group to analyze a viable list of actions and strategies. A new round of public engagement will also begin early next year.
Vision Zero adopted in Comprehensive Plan
A year after signaling its initial interest in Vision Zero, an approach to traffic safety that seeks to eliminate serious injuries and traffic deaths in Bellevue by 2030, the council adopted an ordinance incorporating Vision Zero policies into Bellevue's Comprehensive Plan.
The action follows recommendations for approval last week from the chairpersons of the Transportation and Planning commissions. Although there is no fiscal impact in adopting the policy, its implementation may influence future decisions and proposed investments.
The Vision Zero approach has been endorsed by cities and agencies nationwide, including the state Department of Transportation and King County.