OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Bellevue City Council Meeting Summary - November 18, 2025

City Council — Tuesday, November 18, 2025
BodyBellevue, Washington
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, November 18, 2025
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 2:37:49

Transcript — Verbatim
0:00

Council Member Lee and Councilmember Hamilton remotely, and we have uh Councilmember Bargava is absent tonight.

0:08

Uh so let's start with the roll call.

0:12

Here.

0:12

Deputy Mayor Malikutian here.

0:14

And Councilmember Bargava, as the mayor mentioned, is absent.

0:17

Councilmember Hamilton.

0:19

Councilmember Lee.

0:22

Councilmember Lee is uh connecting currently, so we should have him online shortly.

0:28

And Councilmember Newman House.

0:29

Here.

0:30

Councilmember Simidoria.

0:32

Councilmember Summeduiria, would you please lead us in the flag sleep?

0:39

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States and America.

0:45

And to the Republic for witches fans, one nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

0:52

And just the world.

1:13

And it will be accepted by Elaine Waite White, a member of our own Bellevue Network on Aging.

1:20

Elaine, if you want to come sit up here at the Dais.

1:25

Thank you for being here.

1:26

And we have Franz Lowenhurst, too, from our transportation, a champion of Vision Zero.

1:33

Councilmember New Enhause, go ahead.

1:36

Whereas the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims is observed annually on the third Sunday of November to honor those who have lost their lives or have been seriously injured on roadways and to recognize the families, the friends, the first responders affected by those tragedies.

1:52

And whereas in 2024, approximately 39,500 people in the United States and more than 730 people in Washington State lost their lives in traffic crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

2:06

Each one a devastating reminder that traffic deaths are preventable.

2:11

And whereas between 2015 and 2024, 22 people lost their lives, and 232 sustained serious injuries on Bellevue streets.

2:21

Each loss ripples through our community, touching parents, children, siblings, friends, and neighbors.

2:28

And whereas the City of Bellevue remains firmly committed to its vision zero goal of eliminating traffic deaths and serious injuries by 2030.

2:36

Through its safe system approach, the city prioritizes safe road design, responsible behavior, equitable enforcement, and effective emergency response.

2:47

And whereas the 2025 World Day of Remembrance remind us that ending traffic violence requires shared responsibility from engineers and educators to drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike.

3:01

Now therefore I, Jared Newman House, on behalf of Lynn Robinson, mayor of the City of Bellevue, Washington, and on behalf of the City Council to hereby proclaim November 16th, 2025 as World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims in Bellevue, and encourage all residents to join in a moment of silence to remember those impacted by traffic crashes and to reflect on our shared responsibility to create safer streets for everyone.

3:30

Councilmember?

3:31

Certainly.

3:32

Okay, let's uh can you say what we're doing this again for?

3:35

Just reread that part.

3:37

The World Day of Remembrance for Road.

3:38

Put your mic on.

3:40

The World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims.

3:44

All right, we'll have a moment of silence right now.

3:54

And remembrance for the many road traffic victims that we so hard tried to avoid having.

4:07

Thank you.

4:08

My name is Elaine White, and I'm honored to have been asked here tonight to accept this proclamation for the World Day of Remembrance.

4:17

On the beautiful clear evening of December 21st, 2023, my favorite older brother was killed while out on his evening bike ride in West Seattle.

4:28

This was an activity he loved, cycling, and he did it often, all times of the day, and in all seasons of the year.

4:37

He was a member of Cascade Bicycle Club, was a ride leader, taught cycling safety, and was a member of Cascade's elite cycling team.

4:46

He was an accomplished, able and alert cyclist.

4:50

He had no chance against that Chevy Tahoe, which was making a left-hand turn.

5:00

The resulting impact ended Steve's beautiful life far too soon.

5:06

The entire story from the night of the collision to the resolution of the court case in June of this year, which resulted only in community service for that driver, has been sheer heartache for my family and Steve's entire community.

5:21

He was so well loved because he was a good man and he has deeply missed.

5:26

We simply must do better to protect vulnerable users.

5:31

Far too many people in our communities live with the senseless loss of a loved one due to road traffic collisions.

5:37

While many involve folks driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, this is not always the case.

5:44

Distractions, cell phones, inattentive driving, and unsafe speeds also contribute to these tragic road crashes.

5:51

The day of remembrance gives family members and advocates a chance to address our local governments to highlight the work we must do to improve roadway safety and to amplify the proven strategies, including redesigning dangerous roads, installing traffic calming devices, reducing speed limits and installing electronic devices to encourage compliance to existing laws.

6:16

I am an avid pedestrian in this city, and I have been nearly hit more than one on one occasion.

6:24

I am also a driver in this community, and I drive the speed limit.

6:34

Sometimes drivers speed past me, and I simply say, in the silence of my car, I pray you never lose a loved one or cause a fatality or injury because you're in such a big hurry.

6:51

It's time for us to care more for one another.

6:56

No municipality can legislate, can legislate kindness or common sense, but we can hold folks accountable for the driving choices they make.

7:05

Council surely understands the importance of street safety, and I thank you for acknowledging this world day of remembrance, and thank you all for your service.

7:14

Thank you.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Transportation Safety██████████████████████████26%
Community Engagement█████████████13%
Active Transportation████████████12%
Procedural███████████11%
Parks and Recreation██████████10%
Budget Equity Analysis██████████10%
Public Safety███3%
Environmental Protection██2%
Noise Pollution Regulation██2%
Summary of Proceedings

Bellevue City Council Meeting - November 18, 2025

The Bellevue City Council convened a session to address public safety remembrance, community park development, transportation planning updates, and the mid-biennium budget adjustments. The meeting began with a proclamation for the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, followed by public testimony on sustainability strategies, park naming, noise ordinances, and government transparency. The Council then considered and directed staff to finalize the Mobility Implementation Plan update and approved several ordinances related to the 2026 budget, including property tax levies and development fees, before adjourning.

Consent Calendar

  • Ordinance 6876: Adopted school impact fees for Issaquah and Renton school districts (set to zero dollars).
  • Ordinance 6877: Adopted city pay plans and classification lists.
  • Motions: Two motions to approve the agenda and the consent calendar were adopted unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Court, Barb, and Bill (Residents): Expressed that while they are not against the Sustainable Bellevue Strategy, they oppose its adoption in its current form, stating they want the plan delayed until requested edits regarding 2050 targets are incorporated.
  • Mickey Larimer: Expressed support for the design option for the new Eastgate Neighborhood Park, though she noted she is not a fan of the current name chosen.
  • Christopher Randalls (Complete Streets Bellevue): Expressed strong appreciation for the World Day of Remembrance proclamation; stated the city must demonstrate renewed urgency to achieve Vision Zero by 2030, noting that current statistics (3 deaths, 30 injuries in first 10 months of 2025) are on pace to exceed last year's record.
  • Enrica Hampton (Kindering): Stated that child care and preschool consultation programs are essential for addressing gaps in early learning, specifically highlighting that children with disabilities are over 14 times more likely to be expelled than peers.
  • Michelle Wanamaker: Expressed opposition to naming the new Eastgate park after Nan Campbell (claiming Campbell had no ties to Eastgate); proposed reopening naming suggestions citywide with a prize incentive.
  • Matthew Kervink (Carpenters Union): Recommended the adoption of a transparency ordinance regarding pre-application developer ties to ensure fair planning and prevent worker exploitation.
  • Joe Cunzler: Asked that a disruptive resident named "Mr. Suburban" be excluded for six months; suggested that staff prepare a report on turning Point Defiance Bay or Eastside locations into future Seafair air show centers to ensure the event's survival.
  • Alex Zimmerman: Stated that the Council is guilty of traffic deaths due to population growth and immigration; claimed that new residents "do not know how to drive" and asserted that the city should be held accountable for driver skill levels.

Discussion Items

World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims

  • Proclamation: Council unanimously proclaimed November 16, 2025, as the World Day of Remembrance. A moment of silence was held.
  • Elaine Waite White (Grantee): Shared the personal story of her brother's death in a bike collision in West Seattle; stated that while not all crashes involve substance abuse, distractions and unsafe speeds are major contributors; highlighted the need for redesigning dangerous roads and reducing speed limits.

Eastgate Neighborhood Park (Study Session)

  • Staff Presentation: Presented Design Option 2A (curvilinear oval design) and the name "Eastgate Commons" as the top recommendations following community engagement (70+ name submissions).
  • Public Input: Residents expressed concern over the naming process being too rushed; one resident stated that Eastgate residents should have final say on the name selection.
  • Council Deliberation:
    • Councilmember Lee: Expressed support for the location and design; stated that the naming process requires more careful consideration to honor the community's past and future.
    • Councilmember Humes: Stated that while the naming process is challenging, the community engagement was excellent and the chosen name is appropriate.
    • Deputy Mayor: Expressed hope that permitting could be faster in the future and valued the preservation of trees and safety features.

Mobility Implementation Plan (MIP) Update (Study Session)

  • Presentation: The Transportation Commission recommended updating the MIP to include new metrics: Pedestrian Level of Traffic Stress (PLTS) and Bike Level of Traffic Stress (BLTS) at intersections, updating data forecasts to 2044, and retiring the 2009 pedestrian/bicycle plan.
  • Council Discussion:
    • Councilmember Lee: Stated that while the MIP is a useful tool, it must be integrated with Vision Zero, land use planning, and environmental goals to prevent fatality; suggested a more collaborative approach between commissions.
    • Councilmember Humes: Clarified that the MIP provides targets, not prescriptive standards, and does not require existing developments to retrofit; stated that the document guides future design and iterative conversations with developers.
    • Councilmember Sumadouria: Asked regarding the prioritization of gaps; stated the scoring system balances safety, equity, connectivity, and land use.
    • Mayor Robinson: Questioned the handling of incomplete corridors; stated that incomplete infrastructure can be more dangerous than no infrastructure; asked about wayfinding strategies for new residents.

Mid-Biennium Budget & Ordinances (Rapid Fire)

  • Ordinance 6878: Adopted CDBG funding for 2026.
  • Ordinance 6879: Adopted 2026 development services fees and updated school impact fee schedules.
  • Ordinance 6880: Adopted fees for wireless facilities and public right-of-way.
  • Ordinance 6881: Adopted 2026 sewer service charges to account for King County pass-through fees.
  • Ordinance 6882: Adopted the 2026 property tax levy (including a 1% adjustment); Councilmember Lee and Councilmember Hamilton voted against citing affordability concerns; Councilmember Humes supported citing the need to balance revenue against volatility and rising expenses.
  • Resolution 1055: Adopted the banking of property tax levy capacity for future use.
  • Ordinance 6883: Adopted the umbrella ordinance updating the 2025-2026 budget and 2025-2030 Capital Improvements Program.

Key Outcomes

  • Approved: Proclamation for the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims.
  • Directed: Staff to prepare a resolution to adopt the Mobility Implementation Plan 2025 update for future action.
  • Approved: Design Option 2A and the name "Eastgate Commons" for the new Eastgate Neighborhood Park, pending final naming adoption later this quarter.
  • Adopted: Ordinances 6878, 6879, 6880, 6881, 6882, and Resolution 1055, followed by Ordinance 6883, finalizing the mid-biennium budget adjustments for the 2025-2026 fiscal period.
  • Timeline: Eastgate Park construction is anticipated to begin in 2028 with an opening in 2029; MIP update resolution will be brought back to Council in the future.

Meeting Transcript

Council Member Lee and Councilmember Hamilton remotely, and we have uh Councilmember Bargava is absent tonight. Uh so let's start with the roll call. Here. Deputy Mayor Malikutian here. And Councilmember Bargava, as the mayor mentioned, is absent. Councilmember Hamilton. Councilmember Lee. Councilmember Lee is uh connecting currently, so we should have him online shortly. And Councilmember Newman House. Here. Councilmember Simidoria. Councilmember Summeduiria, would you please lead us in the flag sleep? I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States and America. And to the Republic for witches fans, one nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. And just the world. And it will be accepted by Elaine Waite White, a member of our own Bellevue Network on Aging. Elaine, if you want to come sit up here at the Dais. Thank you for being here. And we have Franz Lowenhurst, too, from our transportation, a champion of Vision Zero. Councilmember New Enhause, go ahead. Whereas the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims is observed annually on the third Sunday of November to honor those who have lost their lives or have been seriously injured on roadways and to recognize the families, the friends, the first responders affected by those tragedies. And whereas in 2024, approximately 39,500 people in the United States and more than 730 people in Washington State lost their lives in traffic crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Each one a devastating reminder that traffic deaths are preventable. And whereas between 2015 and 2024, 22 people lost their lives, and 232 sustained serious injuries on Bellevue streets. Each loss ripples through our community, touching parents, children, siblings, friends, and neighbors. And whereas the City of Bellevue remains firmly committed to its vision zero goal of eliminating traffic deaths and serious injuries by 2030. Through its safe system approach, the city prioritizes safe road design, responsible behavior, equitable enforcement, and effective emergency response. And whereas the 2025 World Day of Remembrance remind us that ending traffic violence requires shared responsibility from engineers and educators to drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike. Now therefore I, Jared Newman House, on behalf of Lynn Robinson, mayor of the City of Bellevue, Washington, and on behalf of the City Council to hereby proclaim November 16th, 2025 as World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims in Bellevue, and encourage all residents to join in a moment of silence to remember those impacted by traffic crashes and to reflect on our shared responsibility to create safer streets for everyone. Councilmember? Certainly. Okay, let's uh can you say what we're doing this again for? Just reread that part. The World Day of Remembrance for Road. Put your mic on. The World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims. All right, we'll have a moment of silence right now. And remembrance for the many road traffic victims that we so hard tried to avoid having. Thank you. My name is Elaine White, and I'm honored to have been asked here tonight to accept this proclamation for the World Day of Remembrance. On the beautiful clear evening of December 21st, 2023, my favorite older brother was killed while out on his evening bike ride in West Seattle. This was an activity he loved, cycling, and he did it often, all times of the day, and in all seasons of the year. He was a member of Cascade Bicycle Club, was a ride leader, taught cycling safety, and was a member of Cascade's elite cycling team. He was an accomplished, able and alert cyclist. He had no chance against that Chevy Tahoe, which was making a left-hand turn. The resulting impact ended Steve's beautiful life far too soon. The entire story from the night of the collision to the resolution of the court case in June of this year, which resulted only in community service for that driver, has been sheer heartache for my family and Steve's entire community. He was so well loved because he was a good man and he has deeply missed. We simply must do better to protect vulnerable users. Far too many people in our communities live with the senseless loss of a loved one due to road traffic collisions.

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