Published July 19 2016
On Monday, the City Council reviewed and fine-tuned the language of two ordinances to place measures on the Nov. 8 ballot. One is a proposition to fund improvements to fire facilities; the second funds transportation neighborhood safety, connectivity and congestion improvements.
It's anticipated the council will vote on the ballot measure ordinances next week at the July 25 meeting, shortly before an Aug. 2 deadline to submit required documents to King County Elections.
The Fire Facilities measure would pay for: seismic retrofits to fire stations; building a new downtown station, upgrades to existing stations; and adding warehouse space for reserve equipment. It calls for a property tax levy rate of 12.5 cents per $1,000 of assessed value -- $80 per year for the owner of a home with an assessed value of $640,000 (the median assessed value in Bellevue). If approved by voters, it would raise about $120 million over the 20-year life of the levy.
The measure for transportation neighborhood safety, connectivity and congestion improvements would pay for: neighborhood safety projects; reducing neighborhood congestion; new sidewalks, trails and paths; technology for safety and traffic management; enhanced sidewalk and trail maintenance and new bike facilities. It calls for a property tax levy rate of 15 cents per $1,000 of assessed value, or $96 per year for the owner of a home with an assessed value of $640,000. If passed by voters, the levy would raise about $140 million over 20 years.
A copy of the draft ordinances for the two measures, including the 75-word descriptions that would appear on voters' ballots, is available with the council agenda materials.
Design process for Sound Transit maintenance facility
Later, the council was briefed on a draft agreement that outlines how Sound Transit's light rail operations and maintenance satellite facility (OMSF) in BelRed will be designed and built. Transit-oriented development (TOD) featuring housing and offices could be part of the project.
Councilmembers supported the process described in the draft implementation agreement, which helps ensure the city's interest in potential TOD next to the OMSF, near the Spring District/120th light rail station.
The TOD would be built from surplus property once the maintenance yard is complete. Sound Transit said it is considering hiring one company to both design and construct the facility, which could speed up the project.
The implementation agreement ensures that the design of the maintenance yard supports the vision of the BelRed subarea plan and enables the development of the TOD concurrent with or close in time to when East Link is up and running. Sound Transit will cost the project now and again after a proposed bid is selected.
The council will take action on the implementation agreement on July 25; the Sound Transit Board of Directors will review it on July 28.