Bellevue City Council Regular Meeting - September 23, 2025
Bellevue City Council Regular Meeting - September 23, 2025
The Bellevue City Council held a regular meeting on September 23, 2025, at 6:00 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting included three proclamations, public comments on various topics, a city manager report on the Housing Accord Program, approval of the consent calendar, and study sessions on a Public Benefit Rating System (PBRS) application and a proposed mandatory minimum sentencing ordinance for repeat theft offenders. The council voted 6-1 to direct staff to prepare the sentencing ordinance with amendments.
Proclamations
- Domestic Violence Action Month (October 2025): Mayor Robinson and Councilmember Hamilton read the proclamation. Major Tarantino of the Bellevue Police Department accepted, noting domestic violence calls have increased compared to last year. Encouraged reporting to 911 and LifeWire (425-746-1940).
- Filipino American History Month (October 2025): Councilmember Vargava read the proclamation, highlighting Filipino contributions and history in Bellevue and Washington.
- Disability Employment Awareness Month (October 2025): Councilmember Lee read the proclamation. Debbie Myers (Executive Director of SCAC Employment Services) and Savannah Roth Oak accepted, presenting the city with a 2025 employer award for inclusive hiring practices.
Consent Calendar
- Approved by unanimous vote. Items included:
- Approval of minutes from September 9, 2025.
- Payment of claims and payroll for August 2025.
- Award of bids for Water Main Replacement Phase 1 (to Shoreline Construction Co., up to $5,429,210) and Main Street Off-Street Multipurpose Pathway (to Active Construction, Inc., up to $2,817,817).
- Several ordinances and resolutions: acquisition for Cedar Terrace Pump Station, grant acceptance for conflict resolution, funding agreement with KidsQuest Children’s Museum ($500,000), professional services for Meydenbauer Bay Park Phase 2, T-Mobile lease agreement, interlocal agreement for homeless services, contract amendment for Robinswood Tennis Center, purchase of AEDs, rule changes on exclusion periods, and term limits on advisory boards.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Crystal Leatherman (Director of Policy and Government Affairs, Washington Retail Association): Expressed strong support for the proposed mandatory minimum sentencing ordinance (Item 10B).
- Carl Klein (Security Director, Bellevue Collection; former Bellevue Police officer for 30 years): Supported the ordinance, citing a case of a repeat offender (JN) with 16 prior arrests who brandished a weapon. Argued accountability is key.
- Lori Wilk (Rockwood community resident): Supported the ordinance, sharing a personal story of a car prowl incident and emphasizing the need for alternatives to social measures.
- Pam Johnston (virtual): Opposed the PBRS application for the Timiri property, arguing the program is intended for large open space preservation, not small backyards with easements.
- Martin Sealig: Spoke about utility easements affecting his family’s small business property, requesting the city work with his team to find a win-win solution.
- Alex Zimmerman: Interrupted, made comments about police and crime, was warned twice and then escorted out by police.
- Maria Hudson: Filed a formal complaint against Officer Halstead, alleging that the police failed to protect her vulnerable adult daughter who was commercially sexually exploited, instead arresting her. Requested the council address police conduct.
- Elizabeth McKinney (Lavish Roots catering worker): Representing coworkers, described layoffs, increased workload, and an anti-union campaign. Invited council to a picket action on Thursday.
- Dr. Mercer: Raised parking issues and concerns about police handling of disabilities, referencing a prior speaker.
Discussion Items
City Manager Report: Housing Accord Program Update
- City Manager Carlson introduced the program, launched in 2023 to prevent evictions and homelessness. Mike McCormack, Natalie Daniels (new manager of Conflict Resolution Center), and Julia Devlin (Housing Accord Coordinator) presented.
- The Conflict Resolution Center handles over 500 cases/year, with 50 volunteers. The Housing Accord Program grew out of pandemic-era work, achieving an 82% resolution rate and keeping about 9,000 people housed.
- In 2024, the center was selected for the National League of Cities eviction prevention learning lab. An early referral pilot with King County Housing Authority and Allied Residential resulted in 41% of 983 notices resolved on-site, and a 90% resolution rate when cases reached the center. Since September 2023, 432 cases have been completed.
- The center aims to expand landlord relationships and early referrals.
Study Session: Public Benefit Rating System (PBRS) – Timiri Property
- Staff (Tara Johnson, Assistant City Attorney Katie White) presented an information-only overview. The property (1.38 acres) at 4277 137th Avenue NE seeks open space classification for up to 1.1 acres, which could result in a 90% tax reduction ($8,300 total, $1,100 loss to Bellevue).
- The application was denied in 2022; King County approved it then, but city denied based on statutory factors. Staff will provide a detailed analysis and recommendation at the public hearing on October 14.
- Council questions focused on the 2022 denial, the property’s developable capacity (encumbered by easements), and precedent. Councilmember Lee emphasized evaluating current conditions. No action taken.
Study Session: Mandatory Minimum Sentencing for Repeat Theft Offenders
- City Attorney Trishna Tanis and Chief Prosecutor Steve Penner presented draft code. The ordinance targets theft in the third degree, with a 30-day minimum sentence for defendants 18+ with two or more prior theft convictions in Washington within two years. Discretionary provisions allow electronic home monitoring for substantial risk of harm, and eligibility for diversion programs (including Community Court).
- Data: Theft is the highest reported crime in Bellevue. About 10% of 700 annual theft cases involve repeat offenders (70 defendants/year). Additional jail cost estimated at $83,000-$120,000/year. Similar ordinances in Marysville and Everett have anecdotal success but limited data; Marysville mayor reported a 10-20% reduction in repeat offenders and decreases in property crime.
- Councilmember Newman House, the item sponsor, argued for the ordinance: “90% of residents support it per a Bellevue Chamber poll,” and it sends a message that Bellevue is not a soft target. He cited a 45% increase in theft from 2019 to 2024 and a 14% increase in shoplifting from 2023 to 2024.
- Councilmember Hamilton opposed, citing lack of data and the success of existing programs (overall crime down 28%, shoplifting down 19%, car prowls down 40%). He argued the ordinance would be a rebuke to prosecutors and judges.
- Deputy Mayor Malekucu and others supported, noting the message and the need for accountability, but also raised concerns about discretion and impact on vulnerable populations. Councilmember Bargava emphasized the need for early intervention and data tracking.
- Councilmember Sumadwaria asked about fairness and bias protections; Penner noted existing safeguards.
- Councilmember Lee supported, arguing that even one repeat offense is too many.
Key Outcomes
- Consent calendar approved unanimously.
- Ordinance preparation directed: The council voted 6-1 to direct staff to prepare an ordinance imposing mandatory minimum sentencing for repeat theft offenders, with the inclusion of substance abuse and mental health treatment options (similar to Marysville’s model), and a 12-month report back to council. The motion was amended by Councilmember Bargava to include mental health. The vote was 6-1 (Councilmember Hamilton opposed).
- PBRS application: No action taken; a public hearing is scheduled for October 14, 2025, where staff will provide analysis and a recommendation.
- Next meeting: October 7, 2025.
Meeting Transcript
Everybody, welcome to the Bellevue City Council meeting for September 23rd, 2025. Before we begin, I just want to tell you how much I appreciate that you're here, and we've heard a lot from the community. I'm sure we will hear more tonight at public comment. I just hope that we can all be polite, not use obscene language and no insults to people. We can convey our feelings appropriately and intelligently, and I look forward to hearing from you. And so with that, uh City Clerk, could you do the roll call? Mayor Robinson here. Councilmember Bargaback. Councilmember Hamilton. Councilmember Lee? Councilmember Newman House. Councilmember Sumador. Absolutely. Please rise. I believe to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands. One nation indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Now, therefore, I, Dave Hamilton, on behalf of Lynn Robinson, mayor of the City of Bellevue, Washington, and on behalf of its city council, to hereby proclaim October 2025 as domestic violence action month in Bellevue, Washington, and urge all residents to speak out against domestic violence and support local efforts to prevent and end abuse in our communities. LifeWire, a Bellevue-based nonprofit, provides housing, legal advocacy, and counseling to survivors. Survivors, loved ones, and community members are encouraged to call the LifeWire helpline at 425746 1940 or visit LifeWire.org for resources and support. Major Tarantino, thank you. Thank you for having me. On behalf of the police department, I want to extend my thanks and appreciation to the Bellevue City Council in recognizing this important topic. As this department mentioned last week, domestic violence calls have increased when compared to last year. The Bellevue Police Department asks all community members to call 911 should they be the victim or know someone who may be the victim of domestic violence. This is the first step in stopping the cycle of violence associated with domestic violence, which I know will lead to a stronger Bellevue. Again, thank you. The Bellevue Police Department is grateful for the ongoing and constant support from the Bellevue City Council. Thank you. Thank you so much. Have a seat and we'll do a picture after. Okay, next up we have Filipino American History Month, uh read by Councilmember Vargava. Thanks, Mayor. Whereas Filipinos have lived in the United States for more than 425 years, beginning with the earliest documented proof of Filipino presence in the continental United States on October 18th, 1587 in Morro Bay, California, the Philippines became an American territory in 1898 following the Spanish American War. And whereas the first known Filipino in the Seattle area worked at the Port Blakely Lumber Mill on Brainbridge Island in Washington Territory around 1883. And whereas Washington State is home to the third largest Filipino population in the United States, and Filipino Americans are the largest Asian Pacific American population in the state, with the vast majority calling King County home, and whereas in November 1903, the United States government passed the Ben Chenaro Act providing funds for Filipino students to study in America. By 1912, more than 200 Filipino students had graduated from American colleges and universities of the University of Washington enrolling the highest number of Filipinos of any institution in the nation. And whereas Filipino Americans have lived and worked in Bellevue for decades, contributing to our city's growth, vibrancy and economy, and whereas Filipino American History Month provides an opportunity to promote the study of Filipino American history and culture and recognizes the contributions made by Filipino Americans and whereas today, as leaders, business owners, educators, and workers across all industries, Filipino Americans continue to enhance Bellevue's community and culture. Now, therefore, I, Vishal Bargawa, on behalf of Lynn Robinson, the mayor of the City of Bellevue, Washington, and on behalf of the City Council to hereby proclaim October 2025 as Filipino American History Month in Bellevue, Washington, and urge all community members to celebrate the history and contributions of Filipino Americans to our community. Thank you, Councilmember. All right, next up we have Disability Employment Awareness Month, read by Councilmember Lee, and that will be accepted if you'd like to come up by Karen Williams, Debbie Myers, and Savannah Roth Oak. Whereas more than one in four U.S. adults for 61 million Americans have some type of disability, according to the Centus of Disease Control and Prevention. And whereas October 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of National Disability Employment Awareness Month. And whereas the purpose of National Disability Employment Awareness Month is to educate the public about disability employment issues and to celebrate the many and varied contributions, talents, and values of America's workers with disabilities. And whereas people with disabilities continue to experience disproportionate instances of unemployment. Discrimination, poverty, and economic instability. And whereas workplaces that welcome the talents of all people, including people with disabilities, are a critical part of successful building inclusive communities and strong economics and whereas the city of Bellevue embraces the diversity, culture, and contributions of residents with disabilities in our schools, government, workforce, and communities by consistently and diligently working to make city employment programs, services, and facilities accessible to all. And whereas numerous organizations and city staff in Bellevue work with residents and community partners to develop programs and policies that advance equity in hiring for people with disabilities. Now therefore, I, Conrad Lee, on behalf of Mayor of City of Bellevue, Washington, and on behalf of City Council to hereby proclaim October 2025 as Disability Employment Awareness Month in Bellevue, Washington, and urge all residents to support disability equity by recognizing the value and contribution of the people with disabilities in our work spaces, and by pledging to take steps throughout the year to recruit, hire, return, retain, develop, and advance individuals with disabilities to foster full participation and economic self-success sufficiency. Signed, Lynn Robinson, Mayor, City of Bellevue.
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