Public Meetings - Des Moines, Washington

The Des Moines City Council held its regular meeting on October 29, 2026. The agenda included routine consent approvals; three public hearings on the 2027 property tax levy, 2026 budget amendments, and the 2027–2028 biennial budget; first readings on tax and budget ordinances; an update to the square-footage B&O tax; a holiday tree purchase; and adoption of the Comprehensive Safety Action Plan. Councilmember Simons arrived late, so the consent agenda passed 6-0 before he joined. The meeting ended with a 40-minute executive session on property acquisition and potential litigation; no action was taken. Consent Calendar - Approved vouchers through Oct. 14, 2026 and payroll transfers through Oct. 20, 2026 totaling $4,835,359.38: EFT payments $2,294,335.84; wires $1,201,865.65; checks $287,939.73; payroll checks $871.16; payroll advice $526,946.62 and $523,400.38. Passed 6-0. - Approved minutes from the Sept. 24 and Oct. 1, 2026 regular meetings. - Approved the Service Electric agreement for $157,550.00, including a 15% contingency, for power cabling and charging equipment for future electric vessels at Marina guest moorage. - Approved the Green Earthworks Construction NW contract for $97,659.84 plus a $15,000 project contingency for demolition, utility improvements, and site preparation at the Marina tenant restrooms; increased the ROMTEC contract total to $1,063,107.84 for restroom installation, sales tax, and bonding. - Accepted the King County Youth and Amateur Sports Grant for the Midway Park Open Space Design Project. - Approved Parametrix 2026-2027 On-Call General Civil Engineering Task Assignment 2026-06 for the 6th and 287th Stormwater Project, $126,100.00. Public Comments & Testimony - Barbara McMichael, Des Moines resident, thanked Mayor Grace Matsui for joining other area mayors in a Seattle Times letter raising concerns about Port Commission attention to SeaTac Airport expansion. She invited port commissioners to experience aircraft noise from her terrace under the second runway; one commissioner accepted. She urged native tree replacement at 216th and consultation with Defenders of Highline Forest, and promoted the group's Nov. 4 speaker-series event at the Des Moines Library on birds. - Judy Grandy, Des Moines resident, opposed Flock safety cameras, arguing they do more harm than good and threaten Fourth Amendment privacy. She said Des Moines Police conducted only about 2% of searches while 98% came from outside entities, cited UW reporting on Border Patrol access, and asked the council to turn off, cover, or remove the cameras and end the Flock contract. She also raised concern that a warehouse could proceed through zoning without a known end use, referencing ICE detention-center concerns and a recently disclosed lease. - Bill Linscott, Des Moines resident, asked during the biennial budget hearing whether marina leasehold tax revenue is allocated back to the marina and other collection areas. Staff later answered that the marina pays leasehold tax to the state, a portion returns to the city's general fund, and it stays in the general fund rather than being reallocated back. - No public speakers signed up for the 2027 property tax levy or 2026 budget amendment hearings. Public Hearings: 2027 Property Tax Levy, 2026 Budget Amendments, and 2027–2028 Biennial Budget - 2027 Property Tax Levy (Ordinances 26-106 and 26-107): Finance Director Jeff Friend said the recommended levy is a little over $6.1 million; the city receives 6.89% of a property tax bill and ranks sixth among taxing authorities, with the top five taking just under 75%. Assessed valuation decreased 2.1%; the proposed 2027 rate was estimated at a little over 90 cents per $1,000 of assessed valuation, matching the 2024 rate of 90.8 cents. The 1% cap component was $58,364. Friend noted the city's rate was $1.30 in 2018 and bottomed at 86.5 cents in 2023. A Wesley nonprofit property-tax dispute remained unresolved; about $133,000 was cited for last year, unpaid, and any ruling in the city's favor would accrue to past and current budgets. Both ordinances advanced to second reading 7-0. - 2026 Budget Amendments (Ordinance 26-108): Friend reported proposed general-fund revenue amendments of almost $900,000 and expenditure amendments of $1.05 million, netting about a $163,000 cash decrease while ending cash remained above beginning cash. Public defender costs rose from $55,000 budgeted to about $280,000; an additional grant-funded patrol officer cost $140,000; red-light camera revenue fell $400,000; sales and B&O taxes were up; and indirect-cost allocations were corrected. Outside the general fund, the marina faced an $885,000 mortgage-revenue decrease from the dock replacement, a $400,000 equipment-fund transfer for travel-lift maintenance, and $38,444 less owed to the general fund; surface water removed $733,000 in state grants from the budget, saved $11,269 in indirect costs, and increased a capital transfer to $192,000. Advanced to second reading 7-0. - 2027–2028 Biennial Budget (Ordinance 26-105): Friend said council priorities set Aug. 6 were public safety staffing, making Des Moines easier to develop, long-term marina direction, and stronger fund-balance reserves, with honorable mentions for communications staffing and technology. Health-care costs were budgeted around 11.4% after a 10-16% range. Public safety was about 60% of expenditures, and salaries/benefits about 68%. The budget adds two police officers (July 2027 and July 2028), drone replacement, canine patrol, a police staffing study, a permit services manager, a communications manager, a parks/recreation director, a parks maintenance employee, a 2027 parks master plan, a Tyler Munis cloud migration in 2027, and streetlight/tree-canopy work. It raises contingency from $50,000 in 2026 to $100,000 in each of 2027 and 2028 and aims to add $125,000 to reserves each year. Revenue assumptions included 1% property tax growth, 2% sales-tax growth, stable B&O tax, $300,000 gambling tax, declining red-light revenue, and falling one-time taxes. General-fund revenue was projected to increase about $169,000; fines/penalties were down $589,000, or 40%, due to red-light cameras. Property tax was budgeted at $5.65 million for 2027 and $5.75 million for 2028, below the $6.1 million levy request because of county reductions, Wesley uncertainty, and conservatism. Sales tax was projected at about $4.8 million this year, with lower amounts budgeted for 2027-2028; utility taxes were $5.1 million this year and about $5.4 million in each budget year. General-fund cash was projected to begin at almost $3.1 million and end the biennium at $3.45 million. Marina ending cash was projected at $9.9 million in 2027 and $7.4 million in 2028, reflecting the $3 million South Seawall design/project management and marina master-plan investments; surface water was projected to end near $7.92 million while using about $2 million over the biennium for capital. Advanced to second reading on Nov. 12, 2026, 7-0. New Business - Square Footage Tax Update (Ordinance 26-109): Assistant City Attorney Matt Hutchins explained the 2024-enacted square-footage tax, effective Jan. 1, 2025, as an alternative to the gross-receipts B&O tax for warehouse/storage space; the rate began at 13.5 cents per square foot per quarter, about 4.5 cents per month, with 3% annual adjustments and a 4,000-square-foot threshold. Revenue lagged due to compliance issues, the Bartels/Right Aid vacancy, businesses paying higher gross-receipts tax, and non-warehouse businesses generating little gross receipts. The proposal expands the tax to non-warehouse business space inside buildings, keeps the threshold and calculation rules, and exempts landlords, with the tenant paying instead, and hotels. Staff estimated $100,000-$150,000 in additional annual revenue. The main motion advanced 7-0 to the next regular meeting. Councilmember Harris's motion to cap increases at CPI with annual review failed for lack of a second; Councilmember Bloss's CPI-indexing amendment also failed for lack of a second. Staff said it could return with a comparison of 3% versus CPI over recent years. - Holiday Tree Purchase: Assistant City Manager AJ Johnson-Newton described the Dec. 4 Winter Wonderland event at the marina, 5-8 p.m., following last year's tree lighting that drew about 1,000 people. Staff described a 40-foot tree with a 5-foot topper, just under 50 feet, with lights and ornaments, a five-year warranty, and an expected 10-year useful life; the agenda and adopted motion specified a 44-foot Majestic Mountain Pine package. Alternatives were reusing the prior mushroom tree at about $25,000 in labor and materials, renting for about $32,000 per year, or purchasing with an annualized cost around $25,000 over five years. The revised quote was $126,503.37. Staff proposed funding from the marina fund, waterfront zone fund, and lodging tax, with at least $40,000 in lodging tax described as pending or advanced through LTAC. The purchase was authorized not to exceed $135,000, including sales tax and shipping, on a 4-3 vote. Deputy Mayor Oxiger's amendment to instead use the marina steps contingency fund failed 2-5; several members argued that using bond-backed contingency funds would mean paying interest for 30 years on a 10-year asset. - Comprehensive Safety Action Plan (Resolution 26-041): City Engineer Tommy Owen and Chris Como of Transpo presented the 76-page final plan. The city adopted Vision Zero in May and had completed a Local Road Safety Plan; a recent $1.5 million HSIP grant will fund a Sixth Avenue South streetscape project. Crash analysis covered 2022-2025; high-injury networks concentrated in north-central Des Moines. The plan uses the Safe System Approach and Washington's added safer-land-use focus. Priority locations included South 16th Street, Des Moines Memorial Drive, Marine View Drive, 16th Avenue South, and downtown active transportation improvements. The policy audit found the city generally in good shape, but the 2012 Complete Streets policy needs refreshing and safety data must be updated every two years to remain HSIP-eligible. Future grants included SS4A, uncertain pending federal reauthorization, TIB, HSIP, Safe Routes to School, and PSRC-administered federal funds. Adopted 7-0. Regional & Council Reports - Councilmember Harris reported on the West Emergency Management Advisory Committee, where FEMA funding uncertainty was discussed, and the Regional Transit Committee at Starfire Sports in Tukwila, which reviewed FIFA World Cup transit performance; the area had the third-highest ridership across platforms, and agencies discussed making big-event service routine. - Councilmember Bloss, on the King County Board of Health, urged flu vaccination, noting an early and potentially severe season, earlier than in the past 30 years, with the current vaccine well matched. - Councilmember Nutting reminded residents of the downtown trick-or-treat path and Halloween safety. - Councilmember Bloss described a tour of Cedar Grove Compost and Cedar Hills landfill in Maple Valley; the landfill has roughly 10 years or less of capacity, and King County is seeking input on future trash options, including rail to Oregon or waste-to-energy. He also thanked staff for landscaping and the Des Moines Theater for events, including a 21+ Halloween party Saturday, doors at 7 p.m. and live music at 8 p.m. - Councilmember Harris discussed the airport Part 150 process, saying the first half was complete and engagement now matters for sound insulation, air quality, and water quality funding; he said a $1.4 million annual community fund would cost the average King County taxpayer about 75 cents. - Deputy Mayor Oxiger promoted the Legacy Foundation's Back to the Brunch on Sunday at Anthony's Homeport, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., $75 tickets, benefiting kids, seniors, and the arts. - Mayor Matsui thanked staff for budget preparation, noted the new ballot drop box outside City Hall, and announced the Veterans Day program at the park near the marina plaza starting at 11:11 a.m., with refreshments around 10:30 a.m.; daylight saving time ends that weekend. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda approved 6-0 while Councilmember Simons was still arriving. - 2027 property tax levy ordinances 26-106 and 26-107 advanced to second reading 7-0. - 2026 budget amendments Ordinance 26-108 advanced to second reading 7-0. - 2027–2028 biennial budget Ordinance 26-105 advanced to second reading on Nov. 12, 2026, 7-0. - Square footage tax Ordinance 26-109 advanced to the next regular meeting 7-0; CPI-related amendments failed for lack of a second; staff is to return with a rate comparison. - Holiday tree purchase authorized up to $135,000 on a 4-3 vote; the amendment to use marina steps contingency funds failed 2-5. - Comprehensive Safety Action Plan Resolution 26-041 adopted 7-0. - Executive session held on property acquisition and potential litigation; no action taken. Next meeting: Nov. 5, 2026 Committee of the Whole and joint study session with the Planning Commission.

The Des Moines City Council met on October 1, 2026, to hear a presentation on the Tree Canopy Preservation Program and to vote on the 2027-2028 Human Services Funding Recommendations. The Council approved the consent agenda and excused Councilmember Steinman. No public comments were received. Consent Calendar - Approved vouchers and payroll totaling $821,509.34 (6-0). - Approved minutes from the September 3, 10, and 12 meetings (6-0). - Enacted Draft Ordinance No. 26-104 imposing a .01% additional sales tax for children and family services (6-0). Public Comments & Testimony - None. Discussion Items Tree Canopy Preservation Program Staff (Tyler Beekley, Julie Brant) presented an update on the program aimed at preserving public tree canopy for stormwater management. A field assessment of 54 plots across 8 city-owned parcels found healthy mature forests but significant threats from climbing ivy, invasive species, and a lack of evergreen regrowth. Proposal and Scenarios: Staff proposed transferring 41 additional parcels to the Surface Water Utility and implementing a dedicated rate increase to fund maintenance. Three scenarios were presented: - Scenario A (2% increase): $7.85/yr per household. Covers only baseline costs (taxes, hazard trees, encampments). No proactive maintenance. - Scenario B (5% increase): $19.63/yr per household. Allows for some proactive maintenance on a 16-year cycle. - Scenario C (7.5% increase): $29.45/yr per household. Allows for a full maintenance cycle (invasive removal, replanting, access) on a 9-year cycle. Council Deliberation: Councilmembers Nutting, Harris, Desmond, the Mayor, and Deputy Mayor Oxiger expressed strong support for Scenario C, arguing it was a minor cost ($2.45/mo) that protected city assets and was more efficient in the long run. Councilmember Bloss expressed wariness of increasing rates on taxpayers and favored Scenario B. - Councilmember Harris noted the program would treat forested parcels as utility assets requiring professional management, similar to pipes. - Councilmember Desmond asked about the effectiveness of a 16-year cycle versus regrowth. Outcome: The Council directed staff to bring forward the parcel transfer and a 7.5% rate increase (Scenario C) for formal approval at the November 12, 2026 meeting. 2027-2028 Human Services Funding Recommendations City Manager Katherine Caffrey and the Human Services Committee presented their funding recommendations. Process: The committee reviewed approximately 80 applications and narrowed it to 15 funded organizations for 2027, totaling $150,000 (down from 19 in the prior cycle). A $50,000 needs assessment is budgeted for 2027 to better guide allocations for 2028. Key Recommendations: - Des Moines Food Bank: $40,000 (increased from $30,000). - Health Point Medical/Dental: Received funding; reported serving 1,703 residents (goal 25) and 864 residents (goal 17) respectively. - New organizations funded include Global Perinatal, Sasha House, YETI (youth experiential training), and Communities of Rooted Brilliance (at Mt. Rainier High School). Council Deliberation: - Councilmembers Desmond and Nutting expressed disappointment the list was not shorter. They argued some agencies receiving state/federal funds do not need the city's limited dollars as much as smaller local nonprofits. - Councilmember Harris strongly defended the funding strategy, praising Health Point's efficiency and arguing that even small contributions to large, efficient organizations are vital and shine a light on the community. - Deputy Mayor Oxiger praised the committee's expertise and supported the recommendations. Vote: The motion to approve the recommendations and authorize the City Manager to sign contracts (contingent on budget approval) passed 6-0. Councilmember Reports & Executive Session - Reports: No reports were given by Councilmembers. - New Agenda Items: None were proposed. - Executive Session: Council entered a 25-minute Executive Session to discuss Property Acquisition and Pending Litigation. No formal action was taken. Key Outcomes - Approved 2027-2028 Human Services Funding ($150,000) and directed staff to begin a $50,000 needs assessment (6-0). - Directed Staff to return on November 12, 2026, with a formal ordinance approving a 7.5% rate increase (Scenario C) and the associated property transfers for the Tree Canopy Preservation Program. - Consent Agenda approved unanimously. - Next Meeting: October 29, 2026.

The Des Moines City Council held its regular meeting on September 24, 2026, addressing a variety of legislative, financial, and community issues. The council approved major infrastructure contracts for the 24th Avenue South Improvement Project and the Marina Tenant Restrooms, adopted the 2027 Legislative Agenda, and remanded the Development Agreement Ordinance back to the Planning Commission for further review. Proclamation - The council unanimously approved a proclamation recognizing September 24, 2026, as "Centennial of the Seashore Club Day." Consent Calendar - The council approved items 1 through 7 of the consent agenda unanimously (7-0). This included the approval of over $7.1 million in vouchers and payroll, the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee spending recommendation, the 2026 City Hall Suite A Restroom and Kitchen Remodel contract ($195,987.07 base plus a $27,000 contingency), the Judge Pro Tem Compensation ordinance (2nd Reading), the Marina Tenant Restroom Replacement contract ($944,078.00 plus a $94,407.80 contingency), and a grant authorization for the Midway Park Open Space Design project. - Item 8, the 24th Avenue S Improvement Project, was pulled by Councilmember Harris. The TIB grant resolution and the $1,200,029.98 contract with Parametrix were approved 7-0. A motion to waive the undergrounding requirement for utilities passed 5-2, with Councilmember Harris and Deputy Mayor Oxiger opposed. Public Comments & Testimony - Mark Everton expressed concerns about the lack of police proactivity in his neighborhood regarding traffic enforcement and criminal activity. - Tracy Buxton, President of the Chamber of Commerce, spoke in favor of the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee funding for the Chamber's Oktoberfest cruises. She reported the two cruises sold out their 400-ticket capacity (800 total passengers) and described the event as a tool for promoting the city's waterfront and business community. - Barton DeLacy, Chair of the Planning Commission, requested the Development Agreement Ordinance be remanded to the commission for further review, stating the commission passed it in haste with insufficient public and developer input. - Chuck Coleman, a Planning Commissioner and former commercial real estate professional, supported the remand, arguing the ordinance's new language on notice, cure, and assignment required tightening to attract quality developers and protect the city. - Bobby, a resident of 226th Avenue, expressed frustration over new "No Parking" signs near Soundview Park that reduced available parking, questioning the process that allowed their installation at the request of a single citizen without a comprehensive traffic study. Regional Committee Reports - Councilmember Harris reported that Metro is shifting to a fully electrified route at the Tukwila base ahead of schedule. - Councilmember Bloss warned that federal cuts from HR1 (the "Big Beautiful Bill") starting September 30th would cause 11,000 Washingtonians to lose health benefits immediately and 175,000 by 2034, putting pressure on local services and the Des Moines Food Bank. - Deputy Mayor Oxiger announced a South King County Transportation town hall hosted by Councilwoman Stephanie Fain. Discussion Items Economic Development Update City Manager Katherine Caffrey and consultant Dan Ernesty presented results from the Business Climate Survey and Roundtables. Of 220 surveys sent to downtown and marina district businesses and property owners, 44 responses were received (a 20% return rate). Key challenges identified included poor collaboration between business owners and property owners ("they hold businesses hostages for their price"), neglected properties, high business costs, and poor connections between the downtown core and the waterfront. Despite the challenges, 81% of respondents belong to the Chamber of Commerce, and there is significant optimism regarding downtown revitalization, particularly regarding the Des Moines Theatre investment and city leadership. Development Agreement Ordinance (Second Reading) Community Development Director Rebecca Deming outlined new sections added to the ordinance, including specific performance rights (Section 9) and city discretion over assignment and expiration (Sections 10 and 11). Following public testimony and council discussion raising concerns that the new language had not been reviewed by the Planning Commission, Councilmember Desmondy moved to remand the ordinance to the Planning Commission for further refinement. The motion passed unanimously (7-0). 2027 Legislative Agenda Legislative Advocate Anthony Hemtad presented the council's priorities. Council discussed refining messaging for specific capital projects. For the Redondo Waterfront project, members preferred an emphasis on environmental and infrastructure safety (failing bulkhead threatening a wastewater pump station) over tourism. For Cliff Avenue, a focus on separating pedestrians from emergency vehicles was added. Council authorized staff to finalize wording, including broadening language on non-moving violations to cover parked vehicles with expired registration. The agenda was adopted (7-0). 223rd Street Pedestrian Project Public Works Director Michael Slevin presented Option 2, which focuses exclusively on filling missing sidewalk segments and ADA compliance between 5th and 7th Avenues without landscaping, decorative lighting, or parking removal, at an estimated cost of $500,000. Councilmember Steinitz moved to proceed with the option, which passed 6-1. Multi-Family Tax Exemption (MFTE) Program Anthony Hemtad presented an overview of the 8-year, 12-year, and 20-year MFTE programs, explaining the tax shift mechanism where the exempted value is spread across other taxpayers (estimated at $24 per year on a $591,000 median home for a 100-unit building). The city had an MFTE program from 2009 to 2019 that was never used. Council discussed program parameters. A motion to have staff bring back more detailed information before referring the topic to the Planning Commission passed 4-3. Additional Sales Tax for Children and Family Services (First Reading) Assistant City Attorney Matt Hutchins presented Draft Ordinance 26-104. The measure would increase the local sales tax by 0.01% (1 cent per $100, from 10.40% to 10.41%) to raise an estimated $41,000 annually for youth programs such as after school activities and Camp Chaos. The council voted 7-0 to advance the ordinance to a second reading. Key Outcomes - Approved Proclamation: Centennial of the Seashore Club (7-0). - Approved Infrastructure Contracts: 24th Ave S Improvement Project ($1.2M design contract, with 5-2 vote to waive undergrounding), Marina Tenant Restrooms ($1.04M total authorization), and City Hall Suite A Remodel ($223k total authorization). - Authorized Grants: Adopted Resolution 26-103 for Midway Park and Resolution 26-094 for the 24th Ave S TIB grant. - Remanded Ordinance: Development Agreement Ordinance sent back to Planning Commission (7-0). - Adopted Policy: 2027 Legislative Agenda (7-0) and approved Option 2 for the 223rd Street Pedestrian Project (6-1). - Advanced Legislation: Passed the first reading of the Children and Family Services Sales Tax Ordinance (26-104) (7-0).

On Thursday, September 10, 2026, the Des Moines City Council convened a workshop at 6:00 PM in the City Council Chambers to discuss the implementation of the city's first Strategic Plan and to consider establishing governance norms for council operations. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Yoshiko Grace Matsui and adjourned at 7:59 PM. Councilmember Jeremy Nutting was absent and excused by a 6-0 vote. Consent Calendar - Excusal of Absent Councilmember: Councilmember Harry Steinmetz moved to excuse Councilmember Jeremy Nutting; seconded by Councilmember Pierre Blosse. Motion passed 6-0. Discussion Items - Strategic Plan Workshop: The council engaged in a workshop facilitated by Raftelis Consultant Nancy Hetrick and City Manager Katherine Caffrey. Key discussions included: - Review of the first-year work plan developed by staff, which maps initiatives, leads, status, and current actions to each strategic focus area. - Agreement on reporting cadence: quarterly written updates to the council (made public), with twice-yearly in-depth workshops (e.g., retreats) to review progress, discuss metrics, and adjust priorities. - Need for key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure progress, with recognition that this will be developed over time, starting with a focus on metrics for each strategic priority area. - Importance of public communication: ideas included dashboards, simplified summaries, targeted outreach to underrepresented neighborhoods, and celebrating milestones to engage the community. - Governance Norms: The council discussed establishing shared operating norms based on an Institute for Local Government article. Proposed norms included: assuming good intent, focusing on the issue not the person, promoting civility, being open and curious, avoiding surprises, coming prepared, committing to final decisions, and seeking cohesion. The council agreed to treat these as a draft and revisit them at a January 2027 retreat. Key Outcomes - The council endorsed a quarterly written update cadence for strategic plan progress, with twice-yearly workshops (e.g., in January and mid-year) for deeper discussion, beginning in early 2027. - City Manager Katherine Caffrey will incorporate strategic plan progress into her annual performance evaluation, with a focus on future goals rather than retrospective accountability for the current year. - A draft set of governance norms (e.g., assume good intent, come prepared, commit to final decisions, seek cohesion) was informally agreed upon as a starting point, to be refined and formally adopted at the January 2027 retreat. - The next scheduled meeting is the City Council Budget Retreat on September 12, 2026.

The Des Moines City Council held its regular meeting on Thursday, August 27, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in City Council Chambers, 21630 11th Avenue S, Suite C. Mayor Yoshiko Grace Matsui presided, and all seven councilmembers were present: Deputy Mayor Gene Achziger and Councilmembers Pierre Blosse, Robyn Desimone, JC Harris, Jeremy Nutting, and Harry Steinmetz. There was no additional correspondence and no regional committee report. The meeting adjourned at 8:07 p.m. Public Comments & Testimony - Susan Aigner opposed Flock cameras. - Christie A, a long-term Des Moines resident and 20-year Highline teacher, urged the Council to end the Flock contract and cover/remove the cameras. She called them mass surveillance, said they take away Fourth Amendment privacy rights with no opt-out, and cited 233,215 vehicles recorded in 30 days, 951 hot-list items compared with 428 in July, and 40 searches in the last 30 days. She said ending the contract would save the city about $36,000 and raised concerns about Flock data being used to track immigrants. - Judy Grande opposed Flock cameras. - Bonita Reister, a Des Moines resident, opposed Flock cameras, citing reports of misidentified license plates causing police stops, a domestic-violence suspect obtaining Flock data, and arguing the city was prioritizing potential camera revenue over public safety. City Manager Report / Presentations - Legislative update from Senator Tina Orwall: Senator Orwall said airport mitigation is her top priority for the next legislative session. She cited UW and Department of Health findings that ultrafine particles from aircraft cross the blood-brain barrier and are linked to asthma, heart disease, and preterm labor, and said Des Moines has the highest rate of children going to emergency departments for asthma, with the landing path mirroring those high rates. She noted HEPA purifiers remove about 70% of ultrafine particles. She proposed pursuing stable funding such as aviation fuel taxes or landing fees, bringing in $5-$15 million per year for impacted communities, making the Port subject to the HEAL Act, and possibly creating an airport community bill of rights. She also discussed a human-trafficking bill holding hotels accountable, a copper/fiber theft bill, workforce housing near the Kent/Des Moines station at 80-100% AMI, a welcome and healing center for immigrants, B&O tax reform, an AI law preventing AI from denying health care, removing some oncology pre-authorizations, and Saltwater State Park ADA trail restoration. In discussion, Councilmember Desimone asked the state to help cities provide services and to lift the 1% property tax cap; Senator Orwall agreed cities need more state revenue support. - Des Moines Historical Society: A representative introduced the society, founded in 1978, and said he and his wife are funding an executive director for at least two years to move the museum forward. New Executive Director VJ Koacki (the transcript also spells the surname Kopacky/Kopatsky) said she wants the museum to become a community gathering place, has more than quadrupled open hours to Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, noon-4 p.m., and wants to expand exhibits, programs, and collections care. - 2026 2nd Quarter Financial Report: Finance Director Jeff Friend reported that general fund revenues exceeded budget by 1.4% and expenditures were 2% over budget. Operating income totaled $690,596, but Friend called it a mirage because only 11 payrolls rather than 12 were recorded through June; the general fund is on track to break even. He reported that King County found a classification issue on business park parcels, meaning the city had been receiving the property tax it was owed, with no lump-sum back payment coming. One-time sales tax and B&O tax revenues have already exceeded annual budgets. Public safety sales tax collections were about $181,000 through June, on track for the $450,000 annual budget. Public defender costs totaled a little over $187,000 through June and are trending above historic levels. Regular sales tax was about $25,000 below the same period last year; red light camera and Redondo speed camera revenues are significantly below budget, except for a July speed-camera spike; and real estate excise tax is gradually declining, though a $110 million warehouse sale in January boosted this year's receipts. In response to questions, Friend said B&O tax receipts were up 186% due to improved collections, public defender costs are the fastest-growing item in the public safety sales tax fund, and the property tax shortfall likely relates to delinquencies and the Wesley dispute. - Community Enrichment Services fall/winter preview: Program Supervisor Kyle Ehlers previewed fall/winter 2026 programming. Summer camp served up to 120 kids per day, Monday-Friday. Upcoming events include spooky family nights, holiday karaoke, the annual Halloween costume swap, breakfast with Santa, a holiday tree lighting renamed Winter Waterland on Friday, December 4, and the Burning Boat Festival. New/recurring programs include taekwondo, RC plane open gym, pickleball instruction, youth soccer and basketball, cooking/STEM classes, and senior programs including hot lunch averaging 30-50 people per day. Consent Calendar - Approved vouchers totaling $2,441,125.04, including EFT vendor payments 14011-14094 for $725,033.46, wires 3389-3410 for $1,020,303.20, accounts payable checks 167669-167703 for $133,800.84, voided checks totaling ($350.00), payroll checks for $19,225.29, payroll advice for $543,067.25, and off-cycle payroll adjustments of ($72.49) and $72.49. - Approved minutes from the July 9, 2026 Regular Meeting, July 30, 2026 Leadership Workshop, and August 6, 2026 Committee of the Whole and Study Session. - Passed Draft Ordinance 26-059 (Judge Pro Tem Compensation) to second reading. - Approved the Interlocal Agreement with Highline Water District for the 2026 North Hill AC Water Main Replacement Project and authorized the City Manager to sign it. - Approved the Hemstad Consulting contract extension and authorized the City Manager to sign it. - Confirmed Philip Mendoza to the Citizens Advisory Board as the Business representative, effective immediately, with an expiration date of June 30, 2027. - Approved the Marina Steps Innovative Stormwater Bioretention Testing grant amendment with the Puget Sound National Estuary Program in the amended amount of $548,386.00, and approved Psomas Task Assignment 2025-016 Amendment 2 for testing/reporting in the amount not to exceed $263,323.07. - Approved the Joint Trench Utility Agreement with Comcast for the Barnes Creek Trail Project. - Councilmember JC Harris pulled Item 8, the Groundwater Remediation Consultant Contract, for discussion. Councilmember Harris asked when the remediation will end; staff said progress includes decommissioning most testing wells and only one of more than 15 wells remains out of compliance. The Council then approved Item 8's two motions 7-0: a WSP USA, Inc. consultant contract for the Public Works Yard Ground Water Remediation Project for $119,356.00, and direction to Administration to submit a 2026 self-insurance fund budget amendment for the contract. Discussion Items Capital Improvements Plan (2027-2032): Finance Director Jeff Friend presented the proposed CIP, which contains 76 projects totaling $220,393,000. Funding consists of $166,222,000 in secured funding, $49,072,000 in unsecured grants, and $5,097,000 in unidentified funding. There are 58 fully funded projects, 14 partially funded projects, and 4 unfunded projects. Planned expenditures are approximately $36.5 million in 2026, $15.5 million in 2027, and $23.4 million in 2028. Staff said future CIPs will be organized by high, medium, or low priority based on need, legal obligation, and consistency with adopted plans. Councilmember Nutting supported the priority approach; Councilmember Desimone asked for a time-frame component; Councilmember Blosse asked for better visibility into grant applications; Councilmember Harris criticized the consolidated priority list, saying stormwater and transportation are funded differently and should remain separate. City Manager Caffrey said the prioritization would not replace approved TIP/plans and is meant as a snapshot. The Council adopted Resolution 26-098 by a 7-0 vote. Development Agreement Ordinance (Draft Ordinance 26-030): Community Development Director Rebecca Deming presented the first reading of an ordinance establishing development agreements under RCW 36.70B. The ordinance would require development agreements to specify uses, densities, building sizes, design standards, parking, affordable housing provisions, parks/open space, impact fees, phasing, and site/concept plans. Departures from standards would need an offsetting benefit of equal or greater value determined by the city. The maximum term would be 20 years, with no administrative minor modifications allowed for landscaping reductions, setback reductions, height increases, access changes, or increased adverse impacts; building, environmental, and surface water codes could not be modified through a development agreement. Deming said the Planning Commission held a public hearing on July 7 and reviewed other jurisdictions before recommending the 20-year cap. Councilmember Steinmetz asked for second-reading additions to include explicit city authority to revoke agreements for noncompliance after notice/cure and to require approval before an agreement transfers to another entity. Councilmember Harris moved to remand the ordinance to a study session; the motion received no second. Councilmember Desimone said the item felt premature. The mayor confirmed that at least three councilmembers wanted the two amendments prepared for second reading. The motion to pass Draft Ordinance 26-030 to second reading passed 6-1, with Councilmember Harris opposed. New Agenda Items: Mayor Matsui requested that a discussion of the 223rd Street Project be placed on the September 24, 2026 agenda. She indicated option B would be considered, while option C would no longer be available in the same way and the associated water quality grant would expire. Councilmember Reports & Announcements - Councilmember Blosse gave no report. - Councilmember Steinmetz praised summer events, the night market, and concerts. - Councilmember Harris discussed the Citizens Advisory Board and urged outreach to the Hispanic community, suggesting events at St. Phil as a gathering place. - Councilmember Desimone gave no report. - Councilmember Nutting and Deputy Mayor Achziger promoted the Poverty Bay Blues and Brews Festival at Des Moines Beach Park. - Mayor Matsui highlighted the recent budget town hall, including a visual display of 37 special fund buckets, previewed budget outreach materials, and thanked the Arts Commission, Public Works, and Surface Water Management departments. Key Outcomes - Approved the consent calendar (Items 1-7 and 9) 7-0 and separately approved Item 8's two motions 7-0. - Adopted Resolution 26-098 approving the 2027-2032 Capital Improvements Plan 7-0. - Passed Draft Ordinance 26-030 to a second reading 6-1, with Councilmember Harris opposed; second-reading language will include revocation/cure and transfer-approval amendments. - Scheduled the 223rd Street Project discussion for September 24, 2026. - The next meeting is September 3, 2026, a Committee of the Whole and Study Session joint with the Planning Commission.

The Des Moines City Council held a regular meeting on August 13, 2026, at 6:00 PM in City Council Chambers. The meeting included presentations from King County Metro and the King County Library System, introductions of the new Community Engagement Officer and the 2026 work plan, the annual Crime in Washington report, approval of the consent agenda, a public hearing and vote on the Carters Dock LLC Development Agreement, extended debate on alternatives for S. 223rd Street improvements, and approval of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Des Moines Area Food Bank. Consent Calendar - Approval of payment vouchers and payroll totals totaling $5,842,866.91. - Final plat approval for LUA2019-0063 "Shiferaw Modified Short Plat." - Signal Maintenance Agreement with WSDOT. - Contracts for the 16th Ave S Ditch Decommissioning and Stormwater Improvements Project (Bayshore Construction, $898,374 plus $200,000 contingency; Perteet Construction Management, $141,705). - Resolution 26-093 authorizing staff to pursue a $500,000 grant for the Midway Park Open Space Design project. - Task assignment for Stormwater Management Action Planning (Parametrix, $93,826.40). - Contract award for Redondo Parking Lot Resurfacing and Striping Project (AA Asphalting, $105,560.06 plus $9,439.94 contingency). - Construction agreement with PSE for the Barnes Creek Trail Project. All consent items passed unanimously (7-0). Public Comments & Testimony - Melanie Barlow (resident): Expressed concerns about parking congestion at Redondo and suggested painting diagonal parking lines on Redondo Way South Hill to accommodate visitors. - Judy Grande (resident): Opposed the use of Flock automated license plate reader cameras, arguing they represent mass surveillance without consent and urged the council to deactivate the cameras and terminate the contract. - Victoria Andrews (resident): Praised the city\'s improved communication, particularly the city manager\'s report and the reduced cost of the Currents magazine, and supported a balanced budget. - Bill Linscott (resident): Commended the budget process and offered comments on S. 223rd Street options, favoring a middle-ground approach that provides a sidewalk and some improvements without the full scope of Option 3. - Susan Aigner (resident): Opposed Flock cameras (per minutes). - Patrice Thorell (resident): Thanked the council for adopting the strategic plan, then urged prioritizing critical infrastructure repairs (Cliff Avenue and Redondo Seawall) over optional beautification projects such as proposed bioswales on 223rd Street. - Barb Houston-Shimizu (food bank supporter): Expressed appreciation for the city\'s help in relocating the food bank and encouraged approval of the MOU. During the separate public hearing on the Carters Dock Development Agreement, four residents (Lee Tomlin, Karen Schartman, Diane Tucker, Lynn Formeter) spoke in opposition, citing concerns about parking, traffic, density, environmental impact, and the need for more detailed plans. Discussion Items King County Metro Update (15 min) Nathaniel Waugh (Government Relations Administrator) and Jeremy Fichter (Transportation Planner) presented data showing about 1,200 daily boardings in Des Moines, with the Rapid Ride A Line as the top route. They outlined the South Link Connections service change effective August 29, 2026, which will boost service hours by 28% compared to fall 2025, add earlier/later trips, and improve frequencies on several routes. Highlights include the new Route 164 (15-minute service, 7 days/week) and Route 166 serving the Burien–Des Moines corridor. The team also described outreach efforts. Update from King County Library System (10 min) Felicia Wilson (Regional Manager) and Erik Matthews (Library Services Manager) reported that KCLS circulated over 23 million items system-wide last year. The Des Moines and Woodmont branches conducted nearly 500 programs with over 5,000 attendees. Key upcoming programs include a peer navigator program (funded by a King County Library Foundation grant) starting August 17, and a welcoming center for immigrants and refugees (beginning September 1) that will offer services in Dari, Pashto, and Arabic. Community Engagement Officer Introduction and 2026 Work Plan (15 min) Police Chief Ted Boe introduced new Community Engagement Officer Junior Aumavae, who presented his 2026 work plan. Aumavae described his background working for the NFL Players Association, the mayor of Anchorage, and the DEA. He conducted over 20 listening tours in his first 30 days and distributed 1,300 safety educational materials, engaging nearly 2,000 individuals. His priorities include expanding youth and family engagement, increasing neighborhood outreach, strengthening event presence, and tracking engagement outcomes. Crime in Washington Report (30 min) Chief Boe presented the annual statewide crime report, noting an overall 18.7% reduction in crime in Des Moines. He explained the transition to the NIBERS crime reporting system and noted that Washington ranks last in the nation for police staffing. The Des Moines Police Department has four commissioned vacancies but expects that number to drop to two by September 1. Chief Boe highlighted that auto theft is driving statewide declines, and local speed and red-light cameras have reduced violations. The department will seek reaccreditation and is adding a proactive detective and a traffic officer when staffing allows. Additional funding from House Bill 2015 ($450,000 in new revenue and a $362,000 grant) will support the co-responder program, animal control, public defense, and equipment upgrades. Carters Dock LLC Development Agreement – Public Hearing (30 min) Community Development Director Rebecca Deming and applicant Carol Crane presented a proposal for a mixed-use project at 28210/28212 Redondo Way: 14 market-rate townhomes and 1,600 square feet of commercial/retail space on 0.675 acres. The development agreement would allow a consolidated permitting process before a hearing examiner, with a single $60,000 fee, and parking provisions using on-street spaces. Council heard public opposition and then debated the agreement. After discussion, the council voted 7-0 to adopt Resolution 26-096 approving the development agreement. 223rd Street Alternatives Revisit (25 min) Public Works Director Mike Slevin presented three alternatives for improvements to S. 223rd Street, which is intended to connect downtown to the marina. The options were: - Option 1: Status quo (no project). - Option 2: Minimalist approach: fill sidewalk gaps, add ADA-accessible intersections, estimated cost $500,000 (with $75,000–$100,000 in beautification later added by amendment). - Option 3: Full corridor improvement: sidewalk work, landscaping, undergrounding power, street trees, with underground stormwater quality features (estimated $4.2 million for road improvements plus $1.2 million for stormwater). The city has a $580,000 state grant for the stormwater design but must decide by end of August. Extensive council debate centered on whether to accept the grant, prioritize other critical infrastructure (Cliff Avenue, Redondo Seawall), and the appropriate scope of improvements. After a series of motions and amendments, none of the three options received majority support: - Original motion (Option 2, no grant) failed 3-4. - Subsequent motions for Option 2 with beautification, Option 3, and Option 1 all failed. The council did not reach a decision on the project. Food Bank Relocation MOU (5 min) City Attorney Tim George presented a Memorandum of Understanding with the Des Moines Area Food Bank to allow the food bank to use a city-owned parcel (south of the post office, under one acre) for preliminary planning and assessment for a potential long-term lease. The MOU grants access for an initial six months with a possible 12-month extension. The council approved the MOU unanimously (7-0). Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda approved 7-0. - Resolution 26-096 (Carters Dock LLC Development Agreement) adopted 7-0. - Food Bank MOU approved 7-0. - 223rd Street project: No consensus reached; the three options failed and no alternative was adopted. The council effectively took no action on the street improvements. - Other business: The Development Agreement Ordinance (first reading) and the Capital Improvements Plan (first reading) were both moved to the August 27, 2026, meeting. No new agenda items or councilmember reports were heard.

The Des Moines City Council held a leadership workshop on July 30, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the Police Station. Facilitated by Kelli Hildebrand of Keynote Discovery, the session aimed to improve communication, team cohesion, and decision-making ahead of the upcoming budget cycle. All seven council members and key staff participated. Discussion Items - Opening and Purpose: Mayor Yoshiko Grace Matsui opened the workshop, highlighting the need for informal connection and alignment heading into budget season. She noted the council had requested more opportunities for non-scripted interaction following their February retreat. - Team-Building Icebreaker: Participants circulated with cards asking personalized questions (e.g., greatest conquest, most interesting person met, unrelenting passion). Common themes included family, kids, and the responsibility of their roles. - Insights Discovery Color Framework: Kelli Hildebrand introduced four color energies—Fiery Red (task-focused, direct), Earth Green (relationship-focused, collaborative), Sunshine Yellow (enthusiastic, persuasive), and Cool Blue (cautious, detail-oriented). The council discussed when each energy is needed, e.g., red for budget deadlines, green for constituent listening, yellow for vision-casting, blue for policy details. - Good Day vs. Bad Day: Participants examined how overuse of strengths can become weaknesses, such as red becoming coercive, green becoming indecisive, yellow becoming frantic, and blue becoming stuck in details. They shared phrases that trigger their own “bad day” responses, e.g., nitpicking, losing direction, dismissing others’ opinions. - Peer Feedback Exercise: Council members wrote their names on “Watch My Back” sheets and passed them around, with each person placing their name in the color quadrant where they most often experience that colleague’s strengths. Afterward, participants compared their self-perception with the group’s perception. - Personal Profiles: Each participant received a 21-page Insights Discovery profile. They highlighted key statements about decision-making, value to the team, and communication “dos” and “don’ts.” Council members then shared and expanded on their decision-making statements, revealing a range of preferences: slow and thorough (Harry Steinmetz), open to last-minute changes (Jeremy Nutting), stimulated by challenges (JC Harris), needing time to process (Pierre Blosse), proof-based action (Mayor Matsui), problem-solving and results-oriented (Robyn Desimone), frustration with slow processes (Deputy Mayor Gene Achziger), analytical and objective (Tim George), and detail-averse due to workload (City Manager Katherine Caffrey, Bonnie Wilkins). - Dialogue on Decision-Making: Council members expressed frustration with the current format of making statements rather than engaging in dialogue. Several members noted the value of informal conversations outside meetings to build understanding and consensus. Key Outcomes - Participants gained shared vocabulary and awareness of their own and others’ communication and decision-making preferences. - Kelli Hildebrand will send out the team wheel, soft copies of individual profiles, and a summary of the “value to the team” statements as an artifact. - Council members were encouraged to continue the dialogue and use the profiles to improve collaboration, especially during budget discussions. - No formal votes or resolutions were taken; the workshop was solely focused on team development and self-reflection.

The Des Moines City Council held a regular meeting on July 9, 2026, starting at 6:00 PM and adjourning at 8:57 PM. The meeting included proclamations, public comment, presentations from the South King Fire Chief and Finance Director, approval of a consent agenda with two items pulled for separate discussion, establishment of an Ad Hoc Budget Engagement Committee, and an update on the Sustainable Airport Master Plan (SAMP). An executive session on property acquisition was held for 80 minutes from 7:22 PM to 8:42 PM. Proclamations - The Council unanimously approved a proclamation recognizing July as Parks and Recreation Month. - The Council unanimously approved a proclamation recognizing July 18, 2026 as Des Moines Waterland Festival, Parade, and Block Party Day. Public Comments & Testimony - Judy Grande, a Des Moines resident, spoke in opposition to the city's use of Flock automated license plate readers (ALPRs), citing privacy concerns, the potential for surveillance expansion (noise cameras, speed cameras), and the impact on ICE kidnappings. She urged the council to install physical hoods on cameras and terminate the Flock contract. Presentations & Briefings - South King Fire Department Update: Fire Chief Ryan Woodey presented on the department's structure, operations, and planned enhancements. He noted the department responded to over 27,000 emergencies in 2025, and described plans to add a second battalion chief in January 2027, an EMS response vehicle in Q3 2027, and to hire 18 new firefighters currently in academy, plus 8 additional positions in January 2027. Daily minimum staffing is 32 firefighters across 7 stations, including two in Des Moines. Councilmembers asked about the difference between ALS and BLS, and about the marine unit. - 2027/2028 Budget Calendar Overview: Finance Director Jeff Friend presented the budget process timeline, highlighting improvements in technology (new accounting system using Tyler Technologies) and streamlined processes. Key dates include: capital improvements plan discussions in August, a budget town hall on August 18 from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM, council study session August 6, budget workshop September 12, budget book to council by October 1, and adoption in November. The presentation emphasized moving from manual spreadsheets to automated systems. Consent Calendar The following items were approved as a block (7-0) except items 3 and 5 which were pulled for separate discussion: 1. Approval of vouchers totaling $3,943,851.18. 2. Approval of minutes from June 4, June 11, and June 25, 2026 meetings. 3. Speed Camera Ordinance (second reading) – pulled by Councilmember Harris; later passed 7-0 after a motion to remove a school zone provision failed for lack of a second. 4. Citizens Advisory Board appointment of Dan Wahlstrom (Woodmont representative, term until June 30, 2029). 5. 2026 Lodging Tax Advisory Committee Spending Recommendations – pulled by Councilmember Steinmetz (recused due to spouse's involvement in a recipient organization); passed 6-0. 6. NFC Northwest Telecommunications Franchise Agreement (second reading). 7. 24th Ave Suspension PSE Settlement Agreements. Discussion Items - Establishment of Ad Hoc City Council Budget Engagement Committee: After debate, the Council voted 6-1 (Councilmember Harris opposed) to establish an Ad Hoc Budget Engagement Committee to advise on public engagement during the biennial budget process. A second motion to appoint Mayor Matsui, Councilmember Desimone, and Councilmember Blosse to the committee also passed 6-1 (Harris opposed). The committee will dissolve upon adoption of the 2027/2028 budget. Councilmember Harris argued the committee was premature while new budget systems were being developed. - Sustainable Airport Master Plan (SAMP) Update: Airport Advisory Committee Chair Joe Dusenberry requested Council authorization to submit committee comments on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) to the Port of Seattle. The comment period ends July 21, 2026. Councilmember Harris raised concerns about factual errors in the committee's 340-page document, including misuse of FAA terminology (e.g., "Seattle area metroplex") and inflated passenger numbers. Despite this, the Council voted 6-1 (Harris opposed) to allow submission. The city is also preparing its own technical comments with hired consultants (Perteet, Leland, attorneys) and will host a public comment assistance event on July 14. Key Outcomes - Proclamations approved unanimously (7-0). - Consent agenda items 1,2,4,6,7 approved 7-0; Speed Camera Ordinance (Ordinance No. 26-049) approved 7-0; Lodging Tax Committee recommendations approved 6-0 (Steinmetz recused). - Ad Hoc Budget Engagement Committee established and members appointed (both motions 6-1). - Airport Committee comments authorized for submission (6-1). - Next meeting: July 30, 2026 City Council Workshop.

The Des Moines City Council met in regular session on June 25, 2026, at 6:00 PM. Mayor Yoshiko Grace Matsui presided. All council members were present. Agenda items included significant public comment on the city's Flock safety cameras, the recognition of Sergeant Eddie Ochart for 25 years of service, financial reports for 2025 Q4 and 2026 Q1, an update on the Strategic Plan's Economic Vitality implementation, and the first reading of an ordinance to expand the speed camera program. The consent agenda, including the adoption of the Strategic Plan, was approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Flock Safety Cameras: A majority of public comment opposed the city's use of Flock Safety automated license plate recognition cameras. Residents including Melissa Falcetti, Anet Fox, Christie, and Judy Grande voiced concerns regarding privacy, data sharing with federal agencies (citing specific "side door" searches and searches linked to the ATF), and the efficacy of the transparency portal. Judy Grande noted that vehicle detection data suggested non-compliant cameras may still be active. Several speakers urged the immediate deactivation of the system and termination of the contract, pointing to cities like Redmond, Renton, and Olympia which have suspended their programs. - Shark in the Park 2026: Rus Rigley, Director of the Highland College Mass Center Aquarium, reported that the July 12th festival will feature a free shuttle from the Star Lake park-and-ride and improved parking layout on Sixgill Shark Way. - Marina Concession and Community Policing: Kay Vann spoke positively about interactions with police at the pier and presented a petition with nearly 800 signatures regarding the relocation of the marina's snack shed. Reports and Presentations - Recognition of Sergeant Eddie Ochart: Police Chief Ted Boe presented Sergeant Eddie Ochart with a challenge coin for 25 years of service. Chief Boe highlighted his career as a traffic officer and his current critical role managing the field training program. - Financial Reports: Finance Director Jeff Friend presented the final 2025 Q4 and current 2026 Q1 financials. The 2025 general fund ended with a surplus, and the unrestricted fund balance met policy targets at 17.8%. Key risks include a property tax dispute with Wesley Homes, rising public defender costs (projected near $300,000 in 2026), and declining red light camera revenue. The 2026 Q1 report showed revenues exceeding budget by 3%, driven by strong one-time construction taxes and the new Public Safety Sales Tax. Staff were commended for successfully adding business park properties to the tax rolls after a legal review of Port-owned parcels. - Strategic Plan Implementation: Economic Vitality: City Manager Caffrey and Community Development Director Deming outlined several initiatives including a downtown zoning and density study, a vacant commercial property registration program, a Port of Seattle economic development survey, and analysis of a Multifamily Tax Exemption policy. - Regional Committee Reports: Councilmember Harris reported on the Regional Transit Committee, noting a likely 0.1% sales tax increase for transit and that the 'unconstrained' budget represents half of the actual need. Councilmember Blosse reported on the King County Board of Health, noting a 65% decrease in new HIV cases since 2002 and an increase in maternal mortality. - Proposed Letter to Port of Seattle Commissioners: The council discussed a draft letter to the Port regarding airport impacts. It was clarified this is an internal draft for the commissioners, and a separate public-facing letter will follow. Discussion Items - Speed Camera Ordinance (First Reading): Assistant City Attorney Matthew Hutchins presented Draft Ordinance No. 26-049 to expand the city's speed camera network. The proposal adds three population-based cameras on Pacific Highway North and 24th Avenue North, a school walk zone camera on Kent Des Moines Road, and expands the Woodmont Elementary camera to 24/7 operation. A speed study showed severe speeding on 24th Avenue (42% of vehicles exceeding the limit by at least 5 mph). - Discussion: Councilmember Blosse expressed unease about the 24/7 Woodmont proposal, citing driver confusion and the spirit of the law. Councilmembers Desimone, Nutting, and Deputy Mayor Achziger supported it as a necessary safety tool and force multiplier. Councilmember Harris felt the overall expansion could be seen as over-policing by the public. - Outcome: The ordinance passed its first reading (7-0) and was moved to a second reading on July 9, 2026. New Business - After School Program Discontinuation: Councilmember Blosse requested an update from Community Enrichment staff regarding the decision to discontinue the "Club Chaos" after-school program, citing feedback from frustrated parents. The request was supported by the council. Key Outcomes - The Consent Agenda was approved 7-0, authorizing payments over $3.4 million, passing the NFC Northwest franchise agreement to a second reading, approving the 2026 Stormwater CMP Replacement Project ($256,385), accepting a 1.87-acre right-of-way from WSDOT, adopting the Strategic Plan "Charting Our Course", and confirming Richard Spicer to the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee. - The Speed Camera Ordinance (No. 26-049) advanced to a second reading on July 9, 2026, by a 7-0 vote. - A future agenda item was set for an update on the discontinued After School Program. - The meeting adjourned at 8:30 PM. The next regular meeting is scheduled for July 9, 2026.