The Ellensburg City Council held a regular meeting on November 2, 2026, at 7:00 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting included proclamations, approval of consent agenda, public comments on non-agenda items, four public hearings on property tax, comprehensive plan update, land development code amendments, and area-wide rezone, as well as adoption of ordinances and resolutions, financial reports, and a preliminary budget presentation. The council approved first readings of several ordinances and resolutions, with key votes and public testimony recorded. Consent Calendar - Approved minutes of October 19, 2026 regular meeting. - Acknowledged minutes of boards and commissions. - Approved AAEE Commission spending plan for 2026. - Approved professional services agreement with Energy and Environmental Economics, Inc. for Decarbonization Plan. - Approved MOU with Teamsters Local 760 (Crews). - Approved November 2, 2026 voucher listing. - All items passed by unanimous vote. Public Comments & Testimony - Joan Bennett (Ellensburg resident since 2006) spoke on the land value tax, expressing concern over rapidly increasing property taxes, particularly the land portion. She noted that her land tax increased 45% in three years while a neighbor with two lots saw only a 38% increase, calling the system unfair. She mentioned that Seattle and Spokane are considering land value tax shifts. - Victoria Thomas (city resident, speaking for herself) commented on the Comprehensive Plan update, noting that the document encourages incentives for builders while residents face tax and utility increases. She requested clarification on parks capital improvement plan discrepancies, including the number of tennis courts at Lions Mountain View Park and naming inconsistencies for the recreation center. - Candace Comfort (Kittitas County resident) urged council to reject planning commission changes to Chapter 2 of the Comprehensive Plan, arguing they were redundant and inserted without public or council request. - Fran Malan (Ellensburg resident) expressed support for the Comprehensive Plan update, praising the climate element and housing policy, but urged operationalization of equity frameworks in city functions. - Fanel Miller (city resident, landmark property owner) provided detailed feedback on Chapter 10 (historic preservation), requesting language for maintenance of historic properties and clarification on murals. She appreciated council members for listening. - William Coleman (president of Kittitas) criticized the planning commission process for Chapter 2 edits, alleging behind-the-scenes manipulation. He urged council to revert to the previous draft from October 5. - Victoria Thomas also spoke on Land Development Code amendments, opposing the deletion of Residential Suburban (RS) zoning and the resulting density increases (from 6 to 24 units per acre with bonus). She noted the council's earlier October decision on an annexation rezone and argued these changes were counter to that gradual approach. - Victoria Thomas reiterated her opposition on the Area-Wide Rezone, asking council to reject rezoning all RS properties to Residential Low (RL), citing density quadrupling. - Jennifer Patison (county resident) asked how Seattle King County Realtors Association became involved in the splash pad donation; staff explained it was through a grant via the Morning Rotary. Discussion Items - Proclamations: Councilmember Goodlow read the Native American Heritage Month proclamation (November 2026). Councilmember Lilquist read the Stormwater Awareness Week proclamation (week of November 16-21, 2026). - Public Hearing 8A – Property Tax Levy (Ordinance 5001): Finance Director Jerica Pasco presented the 2027 property tax levy ordinance. The allowable increase is limited to 1% (IPD was 3.876%). The proposed levy is $4,093,100.43, a $275,325.15 increase over 2026, including $38,177 from the 1% and $237,147.40 from new construction. The floor was opened for testimony; no public comments were made. Council approved first reading unanimously. - Public Hearing 8B – Comprehensive Plan Periodic Update (Ordinance 5003): Planning Manager Stacey Henderson provided an overview, highlighting the consultant team, public outreach (two open houses, stakeholder interviews, climate task force), and planning commission recommendations. The planning commission added one sentence to Chapter 2 and requested population projection clarifications. The Department of Commerce provided positive feedback and requested adding the Land Capacity Analysis report as an appendix and a climate program on equitable canopy cover. Council discussed the planning commission's role and the need to address discrepancies in park CIP noted by Ms. Thomas. Councilmember Miller requested review of Chapter 2 sentence at second reading. Council approved first reading of the amended ordinance (adding Appendix H and climate program) by a unanimous vote. - Public Hearing 8C – Land Development Code Amendments (Ordinance 5004): Associate Planner Mark Rudd detailed changes including repeal of RS zone, density increases for RL (max 12 units/acre, 24 with bonus), permitting duplexes as-of-right in several zones, design code updates for HB compliance, and removal of design permit. Public comment from Victoria Thomas opposed density increases. Council discussed density impacts, property values, and compliance with state law. Councilmember Miller raised questions about manufactured home park zoning and duplexes in RM. Council approved first reading unanimously. - Public Hearing 8D – Area-Wide Rezone (Ordinance 5005): Mark Rudd presented map changes: RS to NCMU in three areas (e.g., off Bowl Road, North Ellensburg, North Airport Road), RS to RL (all remaining RS parcels), commercial neighborhood to NCMU, commercial highway to CC2 and to RCMU. Total acreage changes detailed. Victoria Thomas again opposed RS-to-RL rezone. Council questioned potential for grocery stores in north end via NCMU. Councilmember Lilquist noted RS zoning is historically overused and change is needed. Council approved first reading unanimously. - Item 9A – Ordinance 5000 (Second Reading) – Gifts and Donations: City Attorney Chris Horner explained the change increases the donation threshold for the finance director from $1,000 to $5,000. No public comment. Council adopted unanimously. - Item 9B – Resolution 2026-27 – Splash Pad Donation: Parks and Recreation Director Bradcase reported $48,515 in donations from Seattle King County Realtors Association, Ellensburg Morning Rotary Foundation, and Ellensburg Downtown Rotary Club for a splash pad at North Alder Street Park. The city has $305,000 in the 2027 budget, expecting total project cost $400,000. Completion target July 1, 2027. Council adopted resolution unanimously. - Item 11A – Third Quarter 2026 Financial Report: Finance Director Pasco presented the report. General fund revenues are slightly above budget, expenditures below. Sales tax is projected to exceed budget by 5.43%. Utility taxes are about even. Investment portfolio $94.2 million, interest earned $268,000 in September. Council accepted the report unanimously. - Item 11B – Preliminary 2027-2028 Biennial Budget: City Manager Heidi Baron Sternaway presented the $290 million two-year budget. Key points: general fund structural deficit challenges, need for sustainable street funding (Transportation Benefit District suggested), stormwater rate increase recommended, new positions proposed (assistant city manager, development review manager, mapping tech, etc.), and major capital projects (aquifer storage, sewer rehab, roundabout, ERP system). Council took no action; public hearing scheduled for next meeting. - Manager's Report: City manager noted one application received for the Public Facilities District Board; position reopened. Councilmembers reported on various committees and events (Ellensburg Transportation Advisory Committee, Environmental Commission, Mount Stuart Meadows ribbon cutting, Northwest Women's Leadership Academy, Clealum Ridge conservation purchase). Councilmember Lilquist requested a future report on the legality of land value tax in Washington state. Key Outcomes - Approved consent agenda (Items 5A-5F) unanimously. - Conducted first reading of Ordinance 5001 (2027 property tax levy) – unanimous. - Conducted first reading of Ordinance 5003 (Comprehensive Plan update) with amendments adding Appendix H and climate program – unanimous. - Conducted first reading of Ordinance 5004 (Land Development Code amendments) – unanimous. - Conducted first reading of Ordinance 5005 (Area-Wide Rezone) – unanimous. - Adopted Ordinance 5000 (second reading, gifts and donations threshold) – unanimous. - Adopted Resolution 2026-27 (accepting splash pad donations) – unanimous. - Accepted Third Quarter 2026 Financial Status and Investment Reports – unanimous. - Received Preliminary 2027-2028 Biennial Budget for discussion; public hearing set for November 16, 2026. - Councilmember Lilquist requested a staff report on land value tax legality for a future meeting. - Proclamations for Native American Heritage Month and Stormwater Awareness Week were issued.
