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SHOWING 261–270 ENTRIES
261
NEWNOV 2, 2026 · LA CROSSE, WISCONSIN · COMMON COUNCIL & COMMITTEES
La Crosse Board of Public Works Meeting Summary - November 2, 2026

The La Crosse Board of Public Works met on Monday, November 2, 2026, at 10:02 a.m. (the agenda listed the start time as 10:00 a.m.), adjourning at 10:33 a.m. All five members were present: Mayor Shaundel Washington-Spivey, Tamra Dickinson, Erin Goggin, Matt Gallager, and Andrea Trane. The Board agreed to take the agenda out of order, moving the Street Department update to the end of the meeting. Unanimous approval was given to all items requiring a vote. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes (October 26, 2026): Approved unanimously. - Bidder's Proof of Responsibility (25-1203): No items were presented for this agenda item. Public Comments & Testimony - Mr. Flatmyers (presenter on change orders): Explained that low bids on a construction contract allowed the reinstatement of alternates originally desired by the North Side, including sidewalks, lighting, and stonework. Commissioner Goggin expressed appreciation for his attention to the project. - Xcel Energy Representative (26-1143, Hintgen Neighborhood): Provided details on replacing aging gas mains. Council President Dickinson questioned disruption levels and timelines. The representative stated the project would start November 16, take approximately four weeks, and pedestrian access would be maintained on the opposite side of the street where work is occurring. - Alex Lewick and Gareth Brickson (Xcel Energy, 26-1144, Harvey & Hamilton Streets): Responded to questions from Council President Dickinson regarding construction disruptions, timeline (estimated three weeks), and contractor identification (PSC, white trucks). Jose (design team) confirmed notification letters had been sent to residents. Discussion Items - Construction Contract Change Orders (26-1123): Mr. Flatmyers reported that bids came in low, enabling the restoration of alternates (sidewalks, lighting, stonework) desired by the North Side. Commissioner Goggin expressed gratitude for his continuous oversight of the project budget. - Revocable Occupancy Permits (Xcel Energy): - Hintgen Neighborhood (26-1143): Representatives answered questions from Council President Dickinson regarding the timeline (start Nov 16, 4 weeks), pedestrian disruption (alternate route maintained), and resident notification (letters already sent). - Harvey & Hamilton Streets (26-1144): Representatives stated a timeline of roughly three weeks. Work involves bell holes and sidewalk panel disruptions. Contractor is PSC. Final concrete restoration may be completed in the spring if weather prevents finishing this season. - Street Department Update (25-1458): Superintendent Ryan Rasmussen presented end-of-season updates. - CIP Projects: Wrapping up final paving projects (King, 31st, Ferry Streets) pending favorable weather. - Leaf Collection: Began October 22. Highlighted a new automated leaf truck with double the capacity of previous models, operated from inside the cab via joystick, reducing time spent dumping and allowing curb-line operation in rain. - Operations: Heavy concrete repairs completed on multiple streets (Mormon Coulee, 4th & Jackson, etc.). Staff transitioning to winter equipment readiness. - Personnel & Sites: Nick Smayby hired as Assistant Superintendent; position opened for Street Supervisor/Recycling Coordinator. Yard waste site has 2,900 registered users and will close November 24. Key Outcomes - All motions requiring a vote passed unanimously (5-0): - Minutes from October 26, 2026. - Construction Contract Change Orders (26-1123). - Construction Contract Final Payments (26-1130), noted as the final payment list for the year. - Approval of Right-of-Way Acquisitions for Losey Blvd (26-1139). - Revocable Occupancy Permit for Xcel Energy gas main replacement in the Hintgen Neighborhood (26-1143). - Revocable Occupancy Permit for Xcel Energy gas main replacement on Harvey Street and Hamilton Street between Taylor and Campbell (26-1144). - Adjournment: Meeting adjourned at 10:33 a.m.

ENGINEERING AND INFRASTRUCTURE 78% · PUBLIC WORKS OPERATIONS 16% · PROCEDURAL 3% · PUBLIC SAFETY 3%
262
NEWNOV 2, 2026 · LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY · METRO COUNCIL & COMMITTEES
Louisville Meeting Transcript: Cooking Demonstration, November 2, 2026

No agenda or minutes were provided for the November 2, 2026 meeting, and the available transcript does not contain municipal business. It records a cooking demonstration and conversation between a chef/instructor and Kirby, focused on stir-fry technique and vegetable preparation. The record is dated 2026-11-02 at 15:30 UTC; no meeting end time was provided. Discussion Items - The demonstration covered heating canola oil (about two tablespoons) before adding vegetables, using the sizzle as a sign the pan is hot enough; the speaker warned that food added to a cold pan can absorb oil and become oily. - The instructor used a garlic-and-herb salt blend and emphasized controlling added salt, noting that salt opens up taste buds and has historical importance in trade. - They discussed adding soy sauce or a product referred to in the transcript as “Kentucky Yucky” after the vegetables were mostly cooked, and serving the stir-fry with noodles, rice, or leftover chicken. - The speaker noted that red bell pepper contains vitamin C. - For a vegetable dish for four people, they used squash, zucchini, red bell pepper, and yellow onion; the onion was halved and cut into half-moons while leaving the core/back intact to hold it together. - Extra virgin olive oil was used to give the dish an Italian flair, and the zucchini and squash were cut into half-moons of similar width so they would cook evenly. - The transcript ends with a question about adding one-fourth cup of water to the oil, and no answer is captured. Key Outcomes - No votes, public comments, or municipal decisions were recorded in the available transcript. - Cooking tips included preheating the pan, cutting vegetables evenly, and seasoning with salt-consciousness.

FOOD SAFETY 100%
263
NEWNOV 2, 2026 · REDMOND, WASHINGTON · CITY COUNCIL
Redmond City Council Special Meeting – 2026-11-02: Budget Hearing, Youth Climate Awards, and SEPA Appeal

The Redmond City Council held a special meeting on Monday, November 2, 2026, at 7:00 PM at City Hall (15670 NE 85th St), with remote participation available via RCTV, Facebook, and phone. Mayor Angela Birney presided; Council President Melissa Stuart, Vice President Angie Nuevacamina, and Councilmembers Jessica Forsythe, Vanessa Kritzer, Sayna Parsi, Vivek Prakriya, and Menka Soni were present. The agenda included a Native American Heritage Month proclamation, recognition of Youth Climate Action Fund awardees, a 15-minute executive session, a public hearing on the preliminary 2027–2028 biennial budget, a downtown adaptive signal control project update, ombudsperson and committee reports, and a quasi-judicial appeal of a SEPA threshold determination for noise code amendments. The Mayor reminded residents that ballot boxes were open through 8:00 PM on Election Day (November 3, 2026). The council unanimously accepted the hearing examiner's recommendation, remanding the noise code DNS to the technical committee. Special Orders of the Day - Mayor Birney proclaimed November 2026 as Native American Heritage Month, honoring the histories, cultures, resilience, and contributions of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Indigenous peoples; recognizing the Snoqualmie Indian Tribe and other tribal nations; and acknowledging the ongoing harms of colonization, displacement, and harmful federal policies. - The city recognized youth recipients of Bloomberg Philanthropies Youth Climate Action Fund grants; Redmond was one of 300 cities globally selected. The city received 22 applications with requests totaling more than $76,000, and the Environmental Sustainability Advisory Committee selected 13 projects, with roughly 40 youth in attendance. The announced projects included Snap Sort Redmond, East Lake Native Plant and Pollinator Garden, Sue Green Tech, Nest and Nectar, Bike Rack Engineering and Mural Design Challenge, Native Plant Fair, Aquafusion, Green Libraries, Wild Yards, Redmond Storation Blackberry Busters, Eco Beats, and Hackathon Green Code Redmond. Projects will be implemented over the next six months. Executive Session - The council held a 15-minute closed executive session to evaluate the qualifications of an applicant for public employment (RCW 42.30.110(1)(g)). Public Comments & Testimony - Eileen McComb (HopeLink, Director of Housing and Case Management) expressed gratitude for the city's continued investment, stating HopeLink served 1,688 unduplicated families in Redmond over the past year, including 401 adults and children accessing housing and comprehensive case management. In fiscal year 2026, Redmond food markets served more than 3,300 Redmond residents, providing over 700,000 meals to families facing rising food costs. - Laura Goodsell (Kindering) thanked the city for its partnership and the recent recommendation to support 2027–28 funding requests for the Families in Transition (FIT) and parent education/family support programs. She noted that 88% of children enrolled in FIT for six months or longer made measurable progress in at least one skill area, and 100% of survey respondents reported improvements in parenting, teaching, and caregiving skills. - Aaron Hamilton expressed strong frustration with the pace of affordable housing progress after nine years of advocacy, stating that rent is skyrocketing, area median income continues to go up, and affordability goes down. He said he is "done being patient" and criticized ARCH representatives as out of touch, asserting that no ARCH board members have depended on affordable housing to survive. He stated he has watched building after building being built downtown (the transcript renders "20 10 buildings in the span of nine years" from his apartment window) without relieving affordable housing pressure, and urged the city to "build buildings, not give five percent of an apartment building to affordable housing." - Sandra Ruffner (Puget Sound Mycological Society, co-chair of the Bridle Trails survey project) asked the city to reconsider its policy of charging $25 per hour and requiring six-week advance applications for low-impact citizen-science fungal research in the Redmond Watershed Preserve, stating her committee is not budgeted for such expenditures and that citizen scientists help bridge gaps in underfunded research. - David Morton asked the council to pull the 2027 State Legislative Agenda from the consent agenda and add three items: (1) state PFAS source control, cleanup of contaminated sites, and monitoring near wells in critical aquifer recharge areas, noting PFOS has already been detected in Wells 1 and 2; (2) a sentence stating Redmond is not asking to weaken protections for aquifers, streams, or critical areas; and (3) support for state urban forestry resources and standards allowing cities to independently verify tree assessments prepared by applicant-hired professionals. He also asked that the $3 million maintenance and operations center request specify a sustainability standard. No councilmember pulled the item. - Joe Kunzler (remote) expressed support for legislative agenda items including new Public Disclosure Commission tools to strike down repeat respondents, an updated (2026) Attorney General's open government manual (currently dated 2016), and annual training exercises for planning officers and clerks. He congratulated Redmond on its "hate free zone" and encouraged residents to vote. - Jennifer Barrett (remote) could not be reached; her comment was not delivered. Consent Calendar - On a motion by Councilmember Prakriya, the council voted to take up item IV.A.4 (Confirmation of Appointment of New Commission Members) before the executive session; the motion carried. - The council confirmed and the City Clerk swore in Jenny Baldwin (Parks, Trails, and Recreation Commission) and Zichuan Huang (Planning Commission). - The remaining consent agenda passed unanimously by voice vote, including: approval of minutes from the October 20, 22, and 27, 2026 meetings; payroll/direct deposit and claims check registers; confirmation of Truc Dever as Redmond's Human Resources Director (with the Mayor noting she will be sworn in on November 17); adoption of the 2027 Legislative Agenda; adoption of the 2027 Housing and Human Services Action Plan; the final contract with Dickson Company in the amount of $333,304 and acceptance of construction for the Old Fire House Teen Center Demolition Project; the on-call and continuing legal services contract with Foster & Garvey; and the 2027 rate amendment to the South Correctional Entity (SCORE) interlocal agreement. Public Hearing: Preliminary 2027–2028 Biennial Budget - Aaron Hamilton spoke in support of using the community-based organization engagement line item (or similar funding) to compensate community members who provide services to the city, such as his training and engagement initiatives with law enforcement, noting that work involving marginalized communities is often expected to be free while other training is paid. - David Morton raised three requests not yet reflected in the issues/deliberation matrices: (1) confirm sufficient 2025–2026 budget funding for PFAS soil and groundwater testing before ground disturbance at the Evans Creek project, extending to the 2013 Allwood recycling fire site approximately 1.5 miles from Wells 1 and 2 (where PFOS is present at roughly 5 parts per trillion), and publish the results; (2) clarify when city arborist review is required under the tree code (currently exception-based) and set a date for deciding on additional arborist capacity; and (3) keep the $2.44 million environmental sustainability package whole. He also asked the council to identify which items tied to House Bill 2015 (approximately $5.5 million in new funding capacity) remain funded and from what source, to consider holding the MOC budget at $250 million until January (noting the project holds $20.7 million in contingency while the matrix proposes raising the budget by $18.5 million), and to tie the estimated $184 per household annual cost of adopting both new sales taxes to named outcomes. - Joe Kunzler (remote) suggested the budget fund excellent local government training modeled on Redmond, additional bus shelters, a monument to Redmond's "hate free zone," and carbon-absorbing plantings. - The hearing was closed without council action; budget deliberations continue, including a special meeting on Thursday. Discussion Items - Staff Report – Downtown Adaptive Signal Control Project: Paul Cho (city traffic engineer) and Hidemi Suru (senior engineer) reported that the QFree adaptive signal system was deployed along Redmond Way from 160th Avenue NE to East Lake Sammamish Parkway, with MyOVision multimodal detection for cyclists, pedestrians, and continuous traffic counts. A before/after study showed corridor travel times maintained or improved; weekday PM transit delay decreased by approximately 7 seconds per eastbound trip and nearly 3 seconds per westbound trip; and planning-level CO2 emissions decreased by approximately 2.5 metric tons per average weekday (the environmental equivalent of taking a vehicle off the road for half a year). The system greatly reduced the need for manual signal retiming, which previously took about three to six months per corridor. Lessons learned included verifying hardware compatibility in real-world field conditions, establishing thorough issue identification/resolution processes, and allocating significant staff time or considering contracting. The upcoming Overlake Adaptive Signals Project (deployment planned for 2027–2028, wrapping up in 2029) will install similar technologies along NE 40th Street, 140th Avenue NE, and 156th Avenue NE, including a pilot feature that detects crossing pedestrians in real time and holds a red light a few extra seconds to let pedestrians finish crossing. In response to Council President Stuart's questions about the Community Facilities District/Microsoft partnership and Bellevue-owned signals on 24th Street within Redmond city limits, Cho explained that those signals are owned and maintained by the City of Bellevue and linked into Bellevue's adaptive system; a prior cooperative agreement using Bellevue's technology in Redmond cabinets was abandoned due to incompatible technology and emergency-response challenges. Staff will also explore coordination with WSDOT off-ramp signals at NE 51st and NE 40th Streets. - Ombudsperson Reports: Councilmember Nuevacamina (October) summarized community inquiries about the Columbia choirs residency event, a DOT pilot program for wheelchair transportation, tree canopy verification practices, downtown public safety concerns, gas leaf blowers, a perceived conflict of interest in public safety technology, accessibility concerns at Village Square on 85th and a proposed north–south midblock trail, Axon Fusus Core pricing, real-time surveillance and police budget, and a Lake Washington Tech bright futures coffee kickoff. Councilmember Parsi (November) reported inquiries about noise and light pollution, leaf blower noise, a resident public safety concern, and questions about construction plans for 40th Street bike lanes. - Committee Reports: Councilmember Forsythe reported her final East Rail meeting as co-chair, with Councilmembers Evans (Woodinville) and Balducci to co-chair the next two-year cycle, and noted visioning and future funding discussions including the Snohomish section. Councilmember Soni reported on Parks and Environmental Sustainability committee topics (parks and recreation impact fees, the teen center demolition contract, Derby Days 2026, Redmond Lights 2026 preview, pay plan updates) and community events including the One Redmond annual meeting, Spotlight Awards, a ribbon cutting, and Trunk or Treat. Councilmember Kritzer noted the intensive budget process, a special deliberations meeting on Thursday, and tenant protection subcommittee work on a proviso. Councilmember Prakriya said the budget proviso is being drafted with stakeholders and will be shared with the full council within a day or two. Council President Stuart reported that the Puget Sound Regional Council's housing production report ("are we on track?") shows the region on track and slightly ahead since 2019, with Redmond highlighted among core cities, and that the Association of Washington Cities is seeking clarification that House Bill 1220 is a planning mechanism rather than a requirement. Mayor Birney reported on the Cascade Water Alliance (approval of the board oversight strategy for the Cascade Supply Program and a letter to King County on reclaimed water), a meeting with the four cities around Lake Tapps, a King County election center tour, a Green Redmond planting event at Smith Woods, an AWC Districts 7 and 13 joint meeting, and a Kimchi for Peace event. Quasi-Judicial Proceeding: SEPA Appeal of Noise Code Amendments - The council held a closed-record appeal of the SEPA Determination of Non-Significance (DNS) for the noise code amendments (a non-project action), with a written recommendation from the contract hearing examiner dated October 19, 2026, recommending that the DNS be remanded to the technical committee. - City Attorney Rebecca Mueller conducted appearance-of-fairness questioning; the matter became quasi-judicial on June 24, 2026. Two councilmembers disclosed ex parte communications: Council President Stuart received an Interlake Sporting Association (ISA) Board email (June 30, 2026) stating concerns about proposed operating hours and support for a development agreement to implement noise reduction measures; Councilmember Parsi reported verbal communications with homeowners near ISA (June 27, 2026) in which some said noise did not bother them, one expressed concerns about cars, and two reported being bothered by summer and nighttime noise. No challenges were raised, and both councilmembers stated they could base their decision solely on the record. - Appellant Andrew Lewis (for the Interlake Sporting Association) argued the council should accept the hearing examiner's recommendation. He argued that the DNS was not based on an appropriate environmental baseline (which should measure actual noise conditions rather than the property's general designated use) and that the DNS improperly balanced the ordinance's perceived benefits against its impacts, which is contrary to SEPA. He cited Friends of Sammamish Valley v. King County (2024) and urged the council to remand so the technical committee can establish a conditions-based baseline and assess the ordinance's impacts against it. - Deputy City Attorney Anthony Saldato (with Jeff Churchill and Alex Hunt) asked the council to reject the recommendation. He argued that city staff appropriately and reasonably reviewed and reissued the CEPA checklist after considering ISA's comments (the comment period ended May 27, 2026), that a non-project action does not require a study, that the examiner relied on inadmissible expert testimony regarding balancing, that the "moving days" impact theory was unsubstantiated and refuted by public comments, and that the ISA gained a benefit of delay through the appeal (citing Dr. Jarvis's January 2026 testimony that ISA would sue if the ordinance were enacted). - Councilmembers asked clarifying questions about the status of the technical committee (which is being disbanded due to departmental reorganization), the cost of remand (not part of the record), litigation statements, the appropriate environmental baseline, the evidence behind the examiner's 52–67 decibel maximum sound level finding (a sound study by Tommy Poole/Municon West Coast commissioned by ISA after the appeal was filed, whose underlying daily data was not produced), and the adequacy of the city's supplemental checklist. - During deliberation, Councilmembers Prakriya, Parsi, Nuevacamina, and Soni expressed support for accepting the recommendation, citing the integrity of the city's environmental review process, due diligence, reliance on the examiner's thorough record review, and potential litigation exposure. Councilmembers Kritzer and Stuart emphasized deciding based on the record rather than city costs or liability, acknowledged the substantial due diligence performed by staff, and framed acceptance as expert feedback supporting continued policymaking on the issue. Councilmember Forsythe similarly noted this is an opportunity to re-examine and solidify the citywide ordinance. - Councilmember Parsi moved to accept the hearing examiner's recommendation; the motion was seconded and passed 7–0 on a roll call vote. Key Outcomes - The council unanimously (7–0) accepted the hearing examiner's recommendation, remanding the SEPA DNS for the noise code amendments to the technical committee (or successor body) for further review consistent with the examiner's conclusions; staff will share next steps with the council. - The council confirmed Truc Dever as Human Resources Director and confirmed and swore in Jenny Baldwin (Parks, Trails, and Recreation Commission) and Zichuan Huang (Planning Commission). - The remaining consent agenda was approved unanimously, including the 2027 State Legislative Agenda (without the additions requested during public comment), the 2027 Housing and Human Services Action Plan, the $333,304 Dickson Company contract and acceptance of construction for the Old Fire House Teen Center Demolition Project, the Foster & Garvey legal services contract, and the 2027 SCORE rate amendment. - The public hearing on the preliminary 2027–2028 biennial budget was held and closed without a vote; budget deliberations continue, with a special meeting scheduled for Thursday. - The council received the Downtown Adaptive Signal Control Project status update and was informed that the Overlake Adaptive Signals Project will deploy similar technologies in 2027–2028, with completion expected in 2029.

264
NEWNOV 2, 2026 · SHORELINE, WASHINGTON · CITY COUNCIL
Shoreline City Council Regular Meeting and Budget Hearings, November 2, 2026

On November 2, 2026, the Shoreline City Council held a regular meeting and continued deliberations on the 2027–2028 biennial budget. All seven councilmembers were present, with Mayor Robertson attending via Zoom. The Council adopted the agenda by unanimous consent and approved the consent calendar 7–0. Staff presented revenue and expenditure details and held two public hearings on the property tax levy, budget, capital improvement plan, impact fees, and fee schedules. No members of the public testified at either budget hearing. Councilmembers discussed several potential budget amendments and a 2025–2026 budget amendment; no formal votes on those amendments were recorded in the transcript. City Manager and Council Reports - City Manager Ellington reminded residents that Election Day was Tuesday, November 3, 2026, with ballot drop boxes at the Shoreline Library, Shoreline Park and Ride, and Shoreline College; ballots were due by 8 p.m. She also promoted the November 3 Shoreline Walks outing from 10 a.m. to noon at Bitter Lake Park, starting at St. Dunstan's Church on North 145th Street, designed for adults 50 and older but open to all ages and abilities. - Councilmember Mork reported attending K4C, where possible changes to executive operations were discussed, and the AWC legislative priorities committee. Consent Calendar - Approved the consent calendar 7–0, authorizing the City Manager to execute a Local Agency Agreement with the Washington State Department of Transportation to obligate $4,400,000 in federal grant funds for the 15th Avenue NE Pavement Preservation Project. - Adopted the agenda by unanimous consent with no objections. Public Comments & Testimony - The public comment period was limited to 30 minutes, with three speakers signed up and three minutes per speaker. - Alice Darnton, regional manager for the Alder Region of the King County Library System, reported that the Richmond Beach Library had reopened after a five-week roof-replacement closure, though construction noise and disruption would continue for a few weeks; holds rerouted to Shoreline can again be picked up at Richmond Beach. She said the Shoreline Library now has two public 3D printers available by appointment, with classes for teens and adults, and that KCLS expanded hours at 48 of 50 locations, including Shoreline and Richmond Beach, to 10 a.m.–8 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, adding four open hours per week. - Lathan Wayne of Shoreline wished Mayor Robertson a speedy recovery and invited people to a client advisory council meeting, providing a contact name and phone number. - No one testified during the public hearing on the 2027 property tax levy and other revenues. - No one testified during the public hearing on the 2027–2028 proposed budget, 2027–2032 capital improvement plan, 2027 impact fee schedules, and 2027 fee schedules; one previously signed speaker, Jack Malik, declined to speak. Discussion Items - 2027–2028 revenue and property tax levy (Ordinance No. 1068). Administrative Services Director and Budget and Tax Manager Christy Hopkins presented the fourth budget discussion. Staff estimated total resources at about $446.6 million, with 29% from taxes, 22% from charges for goods and services, and 15% from intergovernmental revenues; about 15.7% of fund balance would be used for one-time project expenditures. General fund revenue was estimated at about $138.8 million, with property tax at 40%, sales tax about 20%, and utility tax 8%. Staff estimated 2027 property tax at about $27.35 million, including new construction and refunds, with an estimated levy rate of $1.63; the excess park levy was estimated at about $2.95 million for 2027. The 2022 levy lid lift allows property tax growth by CPI; staff cited a 4.5% figure and a 3% figure for 2027, plus new construction and refunds. Sales tax was projected at about $28.2 million for the biennium, a 1.6% increase in 2027 and 0.8% in 2028. Staff recommended Ordinance No. 1068 return on the November 16 consent agenda. - Council discussion included Councilmember Mork asking about wastewater fee revenue increases of 18.7% in 2027 and 4.7% in 2028; staff said the slide showed utility-tax revenue rather than rates, that 2026 estimates were low, and that staff was analyzing the 6% utility-tax growth and whether utility tax could be adjusted without changing revenue collected. Another councilmember asked about the surface water rate increase from 4.9% to 8.5% for 2028–2030; staff said it came from the 2025 rate study and master plan and enterprise-fund needs including capital, debt service, and operations. Mayor Robertson asked about real estate excise tax projections; staff said REET was projected down 16.8% in 2027 and up 6% in 2028, tracking about 10% below the September year-to-date budget at around $2.5 million, due to slower sales and high interest rates, and that staff budgeted conservatively using Puget Sound, King County, and Seattle forecasts. - 2027–2028 budget, capital improvement plan, impact fees, and fee schedules (Ordinances Nos. 1067 and 1069; Resolution No. 568). Staff presented a total budget of $434.3 million, with 38% for city services and 30% for capital funds. Operating expenditures were about $165.6 million, including 29% for public safety and 26% for support services. The capital fund budget was 80% transportation, 20% facilities and parks, and less than 1% facilities major maintenance. Surface water expenditures were $36.8 million, with 47% for capital projects and 27% for planning and operations; wastewater expenditures were about $79 million, with 57% for maintenance and 24% for capital projects. Fee schedules generally increase by June-to-June CPI of 4.53% for 2027; impact fees increase by the Seattle-area construction cost index of 0.39% for 2027. Staff presented a 75% permit cost-recovery option to phase in over four years, convert hourly rates to flat fees, and streamline revisions, with an average overall adjustment of 11.83% across all fees. - Councilmember Scully asked whether the Shoreline Business Center and Storage Court remained revenue neutral; staff said both were budgeted revenue neutral for 2027–2028, with a separate 2025–2026 amendment for Storage Court. Councilmember Adamasu expressed support for the 75% permit cost recovery and suggested staff consider a lower-cost boilerplate street vacation permit for small-business events. She proposed four amendments: $250,000 in seed money for permanently affordable homeownership through middle housing; retaining the current $3,325 fee for authorized removal of significant trees 24 inches DBH and greater and deferring fee changes to the tree code update; $100,000 for Dale Turner YMCA holiday basket gift cards; and $2,000 for compostable to-go containers and utensils for struggling small businesses. Councilmember Roberts raised concerns about long-term budget sustainability and asked about limited-term positions; staff said the ending fund balance before council amendments was projected at about $16.8 million, or 24%, within the 20–25% target but advised caution due to challenging forecasts and a pending levy lid lift. Staff also said limited-term positions such as an HR analyst may have a smaller candidate pool than ongoing positions. Councilmember Scully clarified support for the $250,000 affordable-housing seed set-aside as a property-purchase reserve and stated opposition to the 75% permit cost recovery. Deputy Mayor Povey said she had considered amendments for drinking fountains at two parks but did not advance them due to budget tightness. Staff clarified that street vacations eliminate right-of-way and differ from temporary street closures. Staff said Ordinance No. 1069 and the fee schedule resolution would return November 16, with a council amendment on the fee schedule. Mayor Robertson also asked about the $3 million fund-balance set-aside and the approximately $17 million debt-service decrease; staff said the set-aside was not a cut and the decrease was tied to bond defeasance. - 2025–2026 final biennial budget amendment (Ordinance No. 1066). Staff presented an amendment increasing appropriations by $5.3 million in expenditures and $4.7 million in transfers out, funded by $0.8 million in revenue, $4.7 million in transfers in, and $4.5 million in accumulated fund balance. The projected 2026 ending fund balance was $14.5 million, about 22% of general fund expenditures and within the 20–25% target. Ordinance No. 1066 was scheduled for action on the November 16 consent agenda. Councilmember Adamasu initially requested that Ordinance No. 1066 not be placed on consent in order to add $50,000 for Dale Turner YMCA holiday basket gift cards for 2026; staff said fund balance and budget authority allowed the contribution without an amendment. Councilmember Snyder proposed increasing it to $55,000, a 10% increase, citing food insecurity, federal funding losses, and SNAP benefit losses; staff indicated authority existed if that was Council direction. Councilmember Snyder also proposed $500 for a new Shoreline flag; staff said a citywide flag process was already on the work plan for next year and could not be completed before year-end. Key Outcomes - Approved the consent calendar 7–0, including the $4,400,000 WSDOT local agency agreement for the 15th Avenue NE Pavement Preservation Project. - Held both budget public hearings; no public testimony was offered at either. - Staff planned to return November 16 with Ordinance No. 1068 for the property tax levy and revenues on consent; Ordinance No. 1067 for the 2027–2028 budget and capital improvement plan, Ordinance No. 1069 for impact fees, and Resolution No. 568 for fee schedules for action, with the fee schedule amendment. - Council discussed but did not vote on proposed 2027–2028 budget amendments: $250,000 affordable homeownership seed funding; retaining the $3,325 significant-tree removal fee and deferring changes to the tree code update; $100,000 for YMCA holiday gift cards; and $2,000 for compostable to-go containers. Additional amendments were due by Thursday close of business before the November 16 adoption. - Ordinance No. 1066 for the 2025–2026 final budget amendment was scheduled for November 16 consent. Council discussion indicated support for a 2026 YMCA holiday basket contribution, with Councilmember Adamasu requesting $50,000 and Councilmember Snyder proposing $55,000; no formal vote on the amount was recorded in the transcript. - Staff reported projected ending fund balances of $14.5 million for 2026, about 22% of general fund expenditures, and $16.8 million for 2027–2028 before council amendments, about 24%, both within the 20–25% target, while advising caution about future budget forecasts.

BUDGET EQUITY ANALYSIS 32% · PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT 21% · PROCEDURAL 12% · PUBLIC WORKS 7%
265
NEWNOV 2, 2026 · PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA · CITY COUNCIL
Pittsburgh City Council Regular Meeting – November 2, 2026

The Pittsburgh City Council held its regular meeting on 2026-11-02 at 10:00 AM in Council Chambers, City-County Building, 510 Grant Street. Eight members were present; Council Member Khari Mosley was absent. The Council adopted four proclamations, heard five public commenters, introduced and referred numerous legislative items, passed all 21 committee-reported bills by 8–0 roll-call votes, and scheduled a cablecast post-agenda on gun violence. Proclamations Adopted - 2026-1062: Declared November 8, 2026 as "Mount Rise Baptist Church Day" (Enactment No. 658). - 2026-1063: Affirmed the essential role of arts for health initiatives in improving health, well-being, and lifelong benefits (Enactment No. 659). - 2026-1085: Commended Grand Marshal Bradford G. Washabaugh and declared November 7, 2026 as "Grand Marshal Bradford G. Washabaugh Day" (Enactment No. 660). - 2026-1086: Commended the Veterans Day Parade Committee and declared November 7, 2026 as "Veterans Day Parade Day" (Enactment No. 661). Veterans leaders attending the presentation noted the strength of Pittsburgh's parade traditions. Public Comments & Testimony - Dr. Ronald Lyn Miller described his Global Information Intelligence Network and urged the Council to take networking and connections seriously, criticizing what he called superficial approaches. - Ralph Williams (Bloomfield) thanked the veterans recognized that day; called on Council Member Charland to address a homeless encampment near a Ukrainian Catholic Church; expressed support for Mr. Champolo concerning Panther Hollow Playground and an illegal skate park; and accused Council Member Warwick of disrespecting a disabled person in a wheelchair, demanding an apology or resignation. - David Tessitor (Banksville) requested an ordinance creating a parking-fine waiver for people assisting elderly residents or residents with special needs beyond one hour, describing a ticket that was reduced from $40 to $25. - Yvonne F. Brown asked the Council to create an employee access pass or waiver so workers can reach jobs during parade street closures, raised concerns about deer in her neighborhood, and urged residents to vote, adding "No ice, no war, no Trump." - Special Agent Sunshine gave a religious testimony, saying he was sent to bring justice and warning that "these children will not be sacrificed on your watch" and that "there's no money in a budget." New Legislation Introduced and Referred - Council Member Charland introduced 2026-1064, a $6,198.50 warrant for NeoGov human resources software; referred to the Committee on Hearings and Policy. - Council Member Gross introduced 2026-1065, a $285,000 four-year Risk Factor database subscription with First Street Technology for weather-hazard planning; and 2026-1066, a $93,947.50 three-year CivicPlus permitting and scheduling software agreement; both referred to Innovation, Performance, Asset Management, and Technology. - Legislation was presented in Council Member Mosley's name for 2026-1067, a $20,069,600 transfer to the Equipment Leasing Authority for vehicles, equipment, and accessories including Bureau of Fire vehicles under a five-year lease, with Rule 8 waived for the afternoon committee agenda; 2026-1068, a $110,000 cooperation agreement with Pittsburgh Regional Transit for Belasco Station improvements; and 2026-1069, adoption of the East Liberty Transit Revitalization Investment District Phase III Implementation Plan; all referred to Intergovernmental and Educational Affairs. - Council Member Salinetro introduced: 2026-1073, preliminary engineering for the Allegheny River Green Boulevard with MS Consultants at $566,108.95, reimbursable at 80%; 2026-1074, an amended PennDOT reimbursement agreement for the boulevard totaling $4,610,000, an increase of $2,110,000, reimbursable at 80%, with a $30,000 city share; 2026-1075, a RAISE Hill District grant amendment at no city cost; 2026-1076, an amended Charles Anderson Bridge reimbursement agreement covering $70,016,632 in phase costs, with the amendment authorization not to exceed $7,100; 2026-1077, an amended construction agreement with Mosites Construction for $60,271,782.07, an increase of $11,794,005.07, reimbursable at 100%; 2026-1078, an East Hills Park improvements agreement with Upstream Pittsburgh at no city cost; 2026-1079, a recycling education and outreach amendment with Eastern Research Group adding $14,492 for a new total of $114,492; 2026-1080, the Mt. Washington Healthy Active Living Center Retaining Wall Replacement project with R&S Investment Group at no city cost; and 2026-1087, a zoning map change for parcels 15-J-130 and 15-N-75 from P to UI in Mount Washington, referred to Land Use and Economic Development with Planning Commission review required. - Council Member Strassburger introduced 2026-1070, increasing the Charles Anderson Bridge capital line by $6,335,000 using federal funds at no city cost; 2026-1071, increasing Trail Development by $152,000; and 2026-1072, authorizing sale of 31 City-owned tax-sale properties listed as Items A through AE; referred to Finance and Law. - Council Member Wilson introduced 2026-1081, a new street name "Somers Court" in the Fifth Ward, approved by CPAC in November 2025; and 2026-1082, a new street name "Bridgeview Lane" in the Sixth Ward, approved by CPAC in July 2026; referred to Land Use and Economic Development. - Council President Lavelle introduced 2026-1083, an ordinance requiring final passage and transmittal of the annual operating and capital budgets to the mayor by December 20 of each year; referred to Finance and Law. - 2026-1084, the Grants Office weekly status update for the week ended October 30, 2026, was read, received, and filed. Final Action on Committee Reports - All 21 final-action bills passed finally by 8–0 votes, with no votes or abstentions recorded and Council Member Mosley absent. - Finance and Law: Passed 2026-1006, a $1,953,807 realignment in the 2026 Operating Budget for the fiscal-year close; legal services agreements with Del Sole Cavanaugh Stroyd LLC ($30,000), Clark Hill PLC ($11,099.24), and West Group Law PLLC ($25,000); a $3,000 transfer to the Office of the City Clerk; 2026-1023, the new Chapter 457 Side Yard Sale Program ordinance; multiple capital-budget amendments reallocating ARPA and bond funds, including street resurfacing and facility improvements; 2026-1043, updating the ARPA allocation to Exhibit A version 12; and 2026-1056, a $420 transfer to the Department of Public Works Bureau of Operations for premium pay. - Public Works and Infrastructure: Passed 2026-1001, a $739,007 PennDOT Multimodal Transportation Fund grant for the North Shore Overhead Lane Use Control Upgrade and Expansion Project at no city cost; 2026-1002, accepting a $500,000 DCNR grant for Fort Pitt Park Renovation with a $500,000 city match for a $1,000,000 total project; 2026-1003, accepting a $50,000 DCNR grant for Allegheny Riverfront Trail Connectivity Planning with a $50,000 city match for a $100,000 total project; and 2026-1004, authorizing rights-of-way and temporary construction easements for the Swindell Bridge rehabilitation at no city cost. - Land Use and Economic Development: Passed 2026-1012, a $124,000 agreement with MidAtlantic Solid Waste Consultants for SoilMill PGH's Our Common Ground initiative. - Recreation, Youth, and Senior Services: Passed 2026-1010, authorizing up to $250,000 in Food Justice Fund grants to various organizations. - Intergovernmental and Educational Affairs: Passed 2026-1000, adopting a revision to the City's Official Sewage Facilities Plan for 139 N Craig St at no city cost; and 2026-0917, approving the inter-municipal transfer of liquor license R-2228 from TAVAP, Inc. to Adda Gelato, LLC at 2550-2554 Smallman Street, following the October 27, 2026 public hearing. Discussion Items - There was no extended Council debate reported on individual bills. Council Member Warwick moved for a Cablecast Post Agenda on gun violence in Allegheny County and the City; the motion carried. Announcements and Public Notice - Legislative Projects Manager Sean Carter read a public notice for Council Bill 2026-1052, proposing a 2% unearned income tax on city residents' dividends, rental income, gains from property sales, royalties, and trust/estate distributions, projected to raise $51 million per year to maintain city services and balance the budget. No vote was taken on the notice. - Council announced a standing committee meeting at 1:30 PM on November 2, 2026, with speaker registration closing at 12:30 PM; a cablecast public hearing on November 4, 2026 at 12:00 PM regarding Bill 714, the Oakland UCE zoning code, with speaker registration closing at 10:00 AM; and a cablecast post-agenda on the Housing Opportunity Fund on November 4, 2026 at 1:30 PM. Key Outcomes - Adopted all four proclamations. - Granted a Rule 8 waiver for Bill 2026-1067. - Passed all 21 committee-reported final-action bills by 8–0 votes. - Received and filed the Grants Office weekly report. - Scheduled a cablecast post-agenda on gun violence in Allegheny County and the City. - Heard the public notice on the proposed 2% unearned income tax; the matter remained pending for future legislative action.

VETERANS AFFAIRS 19% · PUBLIC COMMENT 14% · PROCEDURAL 12% · BUDGET 11%
266
NEWNOV 2, 2026 · EVANSVILLE, INDIANA · CITY COUNCIL
Evansville Fire Department Pension Board Meeting — November 2, 2026

The Evansville Fire Department Pension Board of Trustees met on November 2, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. local time (15:00 UTC). The agenda listed an 8:59 a.m. start, while the transcript records the meeting being called to order at 9:00 a.m. Chuck Mangold presided, and roll call was taken. No official minutes were available. The board approved prior meeting minutes, handled four pension payroll changes, announced the next meeting, and adjourned. Consent Calendar - Approved the previous meeting's minutes by motion and second; the voice vote was all in favor, with no discussion recorded. - No old business was presented. Discussion Items - New business: the board considered a motion to remove Lennis Kirk from pension payroll; it was moved, seconded, and approved by voice vote, all in favor, with no discussion. - Considered a motion to add Virginia Kirk to pension payroll; it was moved, seconded, and approved by voice vote, all in favor, with no discussion. - Considered a motion to remove Leanne Reece from pension payroll; it was moved, seconded, and approved by voice vote, all in favor, with no discussion. The transcript spells the name 'Reese.' - Considered a motion to remove Judy Carr from pension payroll; it was moved, seconded, and approved by voice vote, all in favor, with no discussion. - The next meeting was announced for Tuesday, January 5, 2027, Room 307 at 0900, with the hope that it would be in the same room. Key Outcomes - Previous meeting minutes approved. - Lennis Kirk removed from pension payroll. - Virginia Kirk added to pension payroll. - Leanne Reece removed from pension payroll. - Judy Carr removed from pension payroll. - Next meeting set/announced for Tuesday, January 5, 2027, Room 307 at 9:00 a.m. - Meeting adjourned by motion, second, and voice vote, all in favor.

PROCEDURAL 100%
268
NEWNOV 2, 2026 · INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA · OTHER MEETINGS (A-H)
Marion County Alcoholic Beverage Board Hearing, November 2, 2026

The Marion County Alcoholic Beverage Board, presided over by President Tyler Graves, convened on November 2, 2026, in Indianapolis to hear cases involving liquor license applications, transfers, renewals, and violations from Speedway, Beech Grove, Lawrence, and the rest of Marion County. Representing the town of Speedway was Mr. Robert Staten and representing Lawrence was Mr. Jim Hennigan. Officer Sunier administered the oath to all testifying. Consent Calendar - Routine approvals were passed unanimously for several establishments in Speedway (McGillery Speedway, Foyt's Wine Bar, Chipotle Mexican Grill) and Lawrence (Winding Ridge Golf Course, BP Mark, Moose Liquors 2). - The renewal for Hoosier Mart (DL4930251) was approved to facilitate a pending transfer to new owners, despite the current owners failing to appear and a recorded compliance check violation. - A block of automatic renewals for establishments without any violations was approved en masse at the conclusion of the hearing. Public Comments & Testimony - The board called for individuals who had come to remonstrate. Kristen Jaden requested a continuance for the "Family Station" permit, citing late notification to a neighborhood organization, and subsequently departed the hearing. - The Stadium Village Business Association (SVBA) formally submitted a letter of support for the Amber Wolf Food & Beverage (The Patron Saint) application. A representative spoke in support, confirming SVBA was working with the applicants on exterior improvements and would relay information to its membership. Discussion Items New Applications and Transfers: - Encore Ultra Lounge (RR4944513): First-time applicant Cory Simmons, represented by attorney Clark Kirkman, described a comprehensive security plan featuring a retired IMPD officer and ID scanners for the upcoming Cajun Creole sports lounge operating until late hours. Board members emphasized the importance of security in the high-profile downtown location and urged strict adherence to the proposed business model. Approved. - The Patron Saint / Amber Wolf Food & Beverage (RR4944517): New owners Jillian Garvis and Jason Steiber detailed a multi-layered ID checking and security system for the rebranded establishment and a strict compliance policy. A letter of support from the SVBA was read into the record. Approved. - Quality Liquors / BCD Inc. (DL493146): The appearing witness could not describe the business's policies on checking IDs or its compliance history. The board expressed significant frustration with the owner's lack of knowledge and continued the case to the next month. - Recess LLC (RR4943915): Matcha cafe and event space qualifying for a restaurant permit with limited evening alcohol service. Approved. - West India Event Center / Lopi at Rooms LLC (CH4930199): Ownership faced severe violations including a shooting in the parking lot (19-year-old victim, 20 rounds recovered), operation by an unauthorized manager, and unauthorized alcohol purchases. The board found owners lacked control and understanding of regulations. A motion to deny the renewal was made and seconded. Renewals with Violations: - Daddy Jacks (RR4903771): Longtime owner Jim Thompson addressed paperwork failures, including failure to disclose a conviction and an unauthorized alcohol purchase. The board noted a pattern of "slippage" but approved a one-year renewal to ensure closer oversight. - Soriano's Mexican Restaurant (RR4934488): Violations stemmed from purchasing alcohol outside the authorized wholesaler channel and having an unlocked customer-accessible cooler. Approved for a one-year renewal due to concerns over operational awareness. - Blue Diamond Banquet Hall (RR4936035): Violations related to alcohol sales outside the permitted channel and hosting a promoter with a history of violence. Approved for a one-year renewal with a strong recommendation to create consistent vetting contracts for renters. - One More Lounge / Thirsty Friends of Indy (RR4940482): After violations for marijuana use on the patio and food requirements, the owners detailed new zero-tolerance policies and employee training. Approved for a one-year renewal. - Pure Passion / TMMT Entertainment (RR4939444): An adult entertainment premise with 17 total violations related to anti-human trafficking paperwork and alcohol procurement. The board acknowledged significant management changes and improved compliance despite the extensive history. Approved over a single dissenting vote. Key Outcomes - Renewal Denied: The West India Event Center renewal was denied. The case will be referred to the state Alcohol and Tobacco Commission (ATC) for a final determination. - One-Year Renewals Granted: Daddy Jacks, Soriano's Mexican Restaurant, Blue Diamond Banquet Hall, One More Lounge were given one-year terms. - Cases Continued: Quality Liquors, Family Station, Rabbit Hole, Metro Market, Tacos Locos, and several others were continued to the next meeting due to missing documentation, lack of appearance, or failure to complete requirements. - New Licenses and Transfers Approved: Encore Ultra Lounge, Amber Wolf Food & Beverage (The Patron Saint), Recess LLC, Takaria Jarochos, Holiday Inn Express Southeast, and others were approved. - President Tyler Graves reminded all applicants that final inspections are their responsibility and must be scheduled directly with the board.

ALCOHOL BEVERAGE REGULATION 68% · PUBLIC SAFETY 15% · PROCEDURAL 8% · CANNABIS REGULATION 5%
269
NEWNOV 2, 2026 · MIAMI, FLORIDA · MEETING PORTAL
City of Miami Code Enforcement Meeting - November 2, 2026

On November 2, 2026, Special Magistrate Darcy Siegel presided over the City of Miami Code Enforcement Meeting. The meeting addressed multiple cases including extensions of time for code compliance and hearings on alleged violations. The magistrate granted extensions, issued compliance orders with fines, and heard cases in absentia. Preliminary Remarks The special magistrate outlined procedures, including fines up to $250 per day for residential first violations and $1,000 per day for commercial first violations. Witnesses and interpreters were sworn in. Extension of Time Cases Granted - 2742 SW 8th St: Representative Ben Fernandez requested 120 days to complete building permits. Granted with no objection. - 101 & 111 NW 26th St: Representative Mickey Morero requested 120 days for each address for parking lot improvements. Granted. - 459 NE 25th St: Representative Mickey Morero requested 45 days to close out demolition permit. Granted. - 7101 North Miami Ave: Representative Justin Tarrani requested 120 days to obtain certificates of use and business tax receipts for units. Granted. - 5296 NW 4th St: Owner requested 120 days to complete fence installation. Granted. - 1774 NW 42nd St: Owner Federico Crespo requested 120 days for driveway approach modifications. Granted. - 3671 SW 13th St: Owner Nuan Chandimal requested 120 days for tree removal permit processing. Granted. - 152 NW 34th St: Owner Marisol Garcia requested 120 days to finalize permit inspections. Granted. - 2495 SW 21st Terrace: Owner Cedar Wilvert requested 120 days for windows and painting permits. Granted. - 3199 SW 26th St: Owner Manor Francois requested more time for carport/as-built permits. City recommended 90 days; magistrate granted 90 days with caution about progress. To-Be-Heard Cases (Guilty Pleas) - 1021 NW 48th St (Flip King Real Estate LLC): Owner Carlos Moreno pleaded guilty to work without finalized permit for interior renovations. City recommended 120 days, $150 per day fine. Magistrate set 120 days, $250 per day fine, noting commercial nature of flip property. - 5740 NW 3rd Ave: Owner Reynolds Gonzalez (represented by daughter Yasenia Gonzalez with power of attorney) pleaded guilty to work without permit. Magistrate set 120 days, $150 per day fine to comply. Cases Heard in Absentia - 624 NW 65th St: Violation of failure to register vacant lot and failure to maintain lot. Inspector Troutman presented evidence. Magistrate found guilty, gave 7 days to comply, fine of $500 per day. - 1304 NW 43rd St: Violation of work without permit (doors, windows, fence). Inspector Hedgeburg de Jou presented evidence. Magistrate found guilty, gave 7 days to comply, fine of $250 per day. - 1741 NW 40th St: Violation of work without permit for remodeling. Inspector Troutman reported owner (92 years old) facing financial hardship. Magistrate found guilty, gave 120 days to comply, fine of $50 per day, noting ongoing efforts to secure funding. Omnibus Order The magistrate denied all extension-of-time requests for those who failed to appear, except page 104 (property at 1792 SW 11th Terrace) which was reset due to an invalid power of attorney. Key Outcomes - Ten extension of time requests were granted with compliance periods ranging from 45 to 120 days. - Two respondents pleaded guilty to violations and were given 120 days to comply with per diem fines ($250 and $150). - Three properties were found guilty in absentia, with compliance periods of 7 or 120 days and fines from $50 to $500 per day. - All unexcused extension requests were denied, and one case was reset. - Respondents were reminded to request extensions online before deadlines to avoid automatic liens.

CODE ENFORCEMENT 74% · BUILDING PERMITS 17% · PROCEDURAL 5% · URBAN FORESTRY MANAGEMENT 2%
270
NEWNOV 2, 2026 · EDMONDS, WASHINGTON · CITY COUNCIL & BOARDS
Edmonds City Council Regular Meeting - November 2, 2026

The Edmonds City Council met in regular session at 6:00 PM on November 2, 2026, in Council Chambers at 250 5th Ave N, Edmonds, WA. All elected officials were present. The council amended the agenda to reschedule two planning items, approved the consent agenda, heard a Diwali proclamation and the 2027 state legislative agenda, received a finance update, held public hearings on utility rates and the 2027-2028 biennium budget, met in executive session, and authorized the city to join Seattle in litigation. The meeting adjourned at 8:47 PM. Agenda Action - Council unanimously removed items 12.3 (Conversion or Addition of Dwelling Units in Existing Buildings code amendment) and 12.4 (Westgate Neighborhood Center Map Updates) from the agenda and rescheduled both to a future meeting in 2026. - The agenda as amended was approved unanimously. Consent Calendar - Approved unanimously: the construction contract award for the Olympic View Drive Pavement Preservation Project; the Arlington Airport use agreement; and the separation agreement with Finance Director Richard Gould. Received for Filing - Claims for damages from Healthcare Realty Trust, Kai Yan Chan, and Sean Gwizdak were received for filing. Presentations Diwali Proclamation - Mayor Rosen proclaimed November 8, 2026, as Diwali Festival of Lights Day in Edmonds. Suresh Sharma, Counsel and Head of Chancery for the Consulate General of India in Seattle, accepted the proclamation and thanked the city, noting that Diwali is celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists and represents light over darkness and togetherness. 2027 State Legislative Agenda - New lobbyists Brianna Murray and Kyle Schroeder of Gordon Thomas Honeywell presented the draft 2027 legislative agenda. They recommended a top-three-to-five priority front page and a separate support/oppose/monitor list, and highlighted the 2027 long session, constrained operating and transportation budgets, and the more stable capital budget. - The draft agenda included a $4 million transportation request for Highway 99 right-of-way acquisition, preserving prior allocations of $22.5 million and $16.5 million, plus a $1 million capital request for Yost Pool and support positions across fiscal sustainability, public safety, transportation, housing, and environment. - Councilmembers provided feedback including restoring the longstanding marsh/Unocal property earmark, strengthening fiscal sustainability and revenue-sharing language, opposing HB 2489 on no-camping enforcement, and tracking tort reform, unfunded mandates, CERB/economic development, and possible Amtrak support. One councilmember suggested wastewater treatment needs should be prioritized over additional Highway 99 funding; staff explained the $4 million is for right-of-way and comes from a different funding bucket. The lobbyists committed to weekly updates during session. The city administrator said a revised draft would be brought back, likely on the next consent agenda. Mayor's Finance Update - The mayor gave a preview of the September and third-quarter report. Compared with cumulative budget estimates: REET was about $158,000 lower; property taxes were $35,000 lower; lodging tax was about $40,000 higher; sales tax was about $780,000 above forecast and about $785,000 above last year. Development services revenues were at 139% of the budgeted amount, about $1.3 million above expectations, with the city 75% through the year. Public Comments & Testimony - No general audience comments were offered during the regular audience-comment period. Public Hearings Utility Rate Study and Future Utility Rate Ordinance - Second Reading - Teresa Hollis (Edmonds) said the stormwater ordinance is silent on semi-annual billing even though about 3,000 customers in the Olympic View Water and Sewer District territory receive semi-annual bills, and she asked the city to fill that gap. She also said if her home were 10 blocks north in city service territory, she would pay 48% more for water starting in January. - Jim Oganowski (Edmonds) asked the council to make sure the utility rate package, budget, and CPI documents align, warning that downstream problems could become more onerous. - A remote participant named Heidi had audio difficulties; a councilmember later noted Heidi Dowtree's emailed comments had been received. 2027-2028 Proposed Biennium Budget - Second Public Hearing / Fourth Reading - Staff presented the mayor's proposed budget, noting the November 2023 fiscal emergency, the 1% property tax limit, temporary revenues including the utility tax set to expire after 2028, and a proposed 2027-28 general fund plan with revenues exceeding planned expenditures by $2.5 million and a rebuilt ending fund balance. - Jim Oganowski commended the general fund improvement but warned that total city expenditures remain above total revenue and that special revenue fund reserves are being drawn down by 40% over the biennium. He urged the council not to treat the reserve buildup as new spending capacity and suggested a utility tax decrease instead if funds allow. Executive Session - The council entered executive session under RCW 42.30.110(1)(i) to discuss litigation or potential litigation with legal counsel. It reconvened at 7:55 PM, and no action was taken in executive session. Council Business Litigation Authorization - Council unanimously approved a motion for the City of Edmonds to join as co-plaintiff in a declaratory judgment action led by the City of Seattle concerning public records requests submitted by "Gimme Derecords at Proton" regarding the city's computer infrastructure, and authorized the city attorney to take consistent actions. Utility Rate Study Discussion - Third Reading - Public Works Director Mandy Ray, City Engineer Mike Lala, and consultant Chris Gonzalez answered council questions. They explained that proposed rate increases include about 9.7% for water in 2027 and about 7% for sewer, that large capital projects such as the Lynnwood wastewater treatment plant are expected to be partially bond-funded, and that annual replacement projects are not bonded. - Chris Gonzalez said deferring water rate increases for 2027-28 would draw the water utility's ending fund balance from about $15 million in 2026 to about $2 million by 2029 and negative by 2030, requiring much larger increases later. - Councilmembers discussed Edmonds' 20% utility tax rate compared with Seattle's 12%, Bremerton's 18%, and rates of 6-12% in most other jurisdictions. Staff indicated lowering the rate would reduce the general fund balance, with essentially no cash reserves by the end of 2028 at 18%. - Staff acknowledged the semi-annual billing issue raised in public comment and committed to review whether the code needs to be updated. - Council unanimously voted to forward the utility rate ordinance to the November 10, 2026 consent agenda for approval; it can be pulled from consent if further discussion is needed. Council Comments - Councilmembers thanked the Consulate General of India and the Edmonds Chamber of Commerce for the Diwali proclamation and downtown Halloween festivities, and urged residents to turn in ballots by 8:00 PM the following day. Information about replacement ballots at votewa.gov was also shared. Key Outcomes - Agenda amended and approved unanimously. - Consent calendar approved unanimously. - Diwali proclamation issued for November 8, 2026. - City authorized to join Seattle declaratory judgment action unanimously. - Utility rate ordinance forwarded to the November 10, 2026 consent agenda unanimously. - 2027 state legislative agenda will be revised and brought back for council action. - The 2027-2028 budget public hearing was closed; no budget adoption occurred at this meeting.

PROCEDURAL 28% · FISCAL SUSTAINABILITY 14% · WATER AND WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT 14% · ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 8%
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