Let's see, we have uh deput mayor calling in just for a portion of this of this meeting.

Um do we have a do we need to excuse him?

He would like to certainly can he's only just going to be participating for the congregation for councilmember Lee.

Is there a motion to excuse the deputy mayor?

So move.

Second.

All those in favor say aye.

Aye, any opposed?

Thank you.

Okay, City Clerk, can we do a roll call, please?

Mayor Robinson.

Here.

Deputy Mayor Malikutian.

Thank you.

Councilmember Bargava?

Here.

Councilmember Hamilton.

Here.

Councilmember Lee.

Here.

Councilmember Newman House.

Here.

And Councilmember Simadowia.

Thank you.

Councilmember Lee, could you please lead us in the flag salute?

Thank you, Madam Mayor.

Please rise.

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

And to the public for which extends one nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

So this is a special occasion tonight.

This is Councilmember Lee's last meeting with us, and we have a commendation to read to you.

And I wanted to share it with the entire council.

So we're all going to take turns reading it to you, okay.

Whereas Councilmember Conrad Lee has provided outstanding service to the City of Bellevue since his election to the City Council in 1994.

In 1994, dedicating himself to advancing a safe, inclusive, innovative and fiscally sound community and as a longtime Bellevue resident, Councilmember Lee brings a deep commitment to public service informed by his engineering and business background, including a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering from the University of Cheap Michigan, an MBA from the University of Washington, and professional experience in both the aerospace and small business sectors.

Whereas prior to and during his tenure on the council, Councilmember Lee has held leadership roles, including Mayor of Bellevue from 2012 through 2013, and Deputy Mayor, through which he guided city governance during times of growth, times of challenge, helping shape Bellevue's evolution into a regional hub for innovation and opportunity.

And whereas he has been a steadfast advocate for public safety, transportation and infrastructure, affordable housing, a cross-cultural center, and responsible economic development, while championing Bellevue's commitment to welcoming and including all members of the community, and has proudly upheld the city's strong tradition of fiscal stewardship, often playfully referring to himself as the fiscal hawk on the council.

And whereas his regional and statewide leadership, including service on the Puget Sound Regional Council's Economic Development Board, and Sound Cities Association, Equity and Inclusion Cabinet, and the Greater Seattle Partners Executive Council has strengthened Bellevue's voice in the region and advanced equity, access, and opportunity beyond city limits.

And whereas Councilmember Lee has consistently brought a collaborative and thoughtful approach to governance, working across sectors and jurisdictions to ensure policy and investments reflect the needs and aspirations of all Bellevue residents, and whereas his long dedication to public service continues to set a high standard for leadership and community impact in Bellevue.

Now therefore, I, Mayor Lynn Robinson, on behalf of the Bellevue City Council, do this ninth day of December in the year 2025 hereby command Conrad Lee for his exemplary service, enduring leadership, and tireless commitment to making Bellevue a better place for all who live, work, study, and play here.

Thank you very much.

Would you like to like to uh get a picture?

Listen to the council and then speak.

Okay.

We are each gonna take a turn to speak to Councilmember Lee, and then we will give him a chance to speak, and I will kick us off.

You are a legend in this city.

Each time, and I just marveled at his commitment to the community and his involvement.

You have showed support to the community at large to businesses.

You don't just know the Bellevue Chamber, you know every chamber in this region, and they know you, and you have supported businesses throughout the region.

Your fight for the cross-cultural center, and especially you are legendary among the many young leaders that you have met with and helped nurture, and whom I have come to work with that have been the beneficiaries of your guidance and your teachings.

And so you've really really made a mark on this community.

I before I was on the council, I remember how approachable you were.

You always spoke to me when I came to talk to you.

You're a good listener.

I remember at my first candidate forum, somebody complained to me, and I I shut down, and you said, no, you have to listen.

And so I became a better listener because of you.

You won eight elections.

You lost two.

The first one you lost, you outlasted that person by 28 years.

Um you have an unwavering commitment to the city, and we are sad to leave lose you.

The worst part about it for me is that now I'm the oldest and the longest serving council member.

I don't think I can do that job justice.

So thank you for your service.

We really do appreciate you.

Thank you.

Thank you very much.

Um, I'll start with Councilmember Bargava.

Sure.

Thank you, Mayor.

Um the first thing I want to say on behalf of the whole council, I think, and for the whole room who's here.

Conrad, thank you so much for what you have done for our city.

You are, as Mayor said, a legend.

You are someone who will be etched into Bellevue's history as someone who contributed so much, who made so many things happen, inspired so many people amongst them is myself.

Uh partnered, thought partnership, but also provided guidance.

Also provided a way to think about things that are forward-looking, think about things that are durable, things about think about things that matter to people in Bellevue and how to put that first, how to not stay away from an agenda.

So there are many things about you that are inspiring, and I want to just say thank you for what you have done.

You're a remarkable leader that we will remember for a long, long time.

On a personal front, you know, similar to not as long ago as for our mayor, but just a few months ago when I was thinking about running for council, I remember we had multiple coffee chats, long conversations in factoria.

Um and each of those conversations, you know, I left feeling inspired that this is a great job to do.

I felt that there's going to be great partnership and support and mentorship as well.

So thank you for those conversations.

It uh helped me uh sort of do what I try to do, and I appreciate that.

Having spent just less than a year on the council, I know how hard this job is and how much it takes.

Not a single issue comes to council that is straightforward or easy.

There are always it leads to, if not more, sides to the issue.

And each of them has a compelling reason to be right.

And so having done that for a year and already feeling the pressure of that, I just want to be I mean, in awe of someone who does that for 32 years.

So thank you.

Thank you.

Councilmember Hamilton.

Great, thank you, Mayor.

Uh, you know, when it comes to talking about Councilmember Lee, the devil is in the details.

So a couple of them for me.

Um after 32 years of service on council, a lot of folks say that they know you, Councilmember Lee.

And in the few years that I've gotten to know you, I have found you to be a staunch advocate for the city's interests.

You regularly remind all of us of the importance of ensuring that the understanding of the community's needs and preferences is central to everything we do.

Councilmember Lee, you've been a strong believer in community service and have encouraged and supported young folks to find their own unique path on the life of on a lifetime of community service.

You've encouraged us to always be sure that the city maintains a stable financial position, understanding that we can do more for the folks we serve if we have a strong base to build on.

And you've had years of advocacy for the cross-cultural center.

You've been a cornerstone of that effort and of what will become a valued community space.

So well done, Councilmember Lee.

I look forward to working with you as you find new ways to continue to serve the Bellevue community.

Councilmember New House.

Thank you.

And in true Conrad style, I will go past my usual three minutes this evening to pay uh proper tribute to uh Councilmember Lee.

Um, this is uh a bittersweet task this evening.

Um our relationship started um over a plate of chicken feet at Dim Sum in uh Bellevue when we first uh met and um uh you know you uh are truly synonymous with uh Bellevue itself.

It's amazing the three decades that you have served this city with uh steadiness, with energy, with uh devotion and the energy.

I I hope I have the same energy level as you, Conrad, um when I when I get to your age.

Uh absolutely uh amazing.

Um I can't believe it's been since 1994.

Um your impact on the being the first minority member of the council, later making history as Bellevue's first ever Asian uh first ever Asian American mayor.

I mean, these milestones aren't just personal accomplishments or achievements for Conrad, but I think they were turning points in our city, showing that Bellevue's leadership could reflect reflect the diversity of its residents.

And Conrad truly led the way in that in that accomplishment.

Um as an immigrant myself, I've always been deeply moved as well by Conrad's words when he just always describes himself as an American by choice.

Um, I think that captures a gratitude, a pride, and a responsibility that comes with being an American and calling uh this special place home, but it also reflects the values that Conrad has and the values that he's carried into public service each and every day.

Even today he's calling me, Jared.

Well, what about this critical ordinance?

Uh critical area ordinance.

It's uh and and then in talking with uh with with Joe Fain about uh sewer treatment.

Um you are a true public servant all the way to the very end.

Um you've been a tireless advocate for small businesses, uh champion for neighborhoods and a voice for transparency.

Um you've reminded all of us time and again that government needs to listen to the people that it serves.

And what I remember most from your time on the council, Conrad, is your heart.

Um, you've always led with humility, always led with accessibility and a deep respect for others.

Um, whether we're celebrating cultural event or you're mentoring a young leader, or simply taking time to listen, you've always embodied that principle that leadership is about service.

So your legacy is not only the policies that you helped shape, but in the lives that you touched.

Uh, you've opened doors for diverse voices, you've inspired future leaders and reminded us that Bellevue's strength lies in its unity.

And as you step away, I know you'll continue to be a presence in our community.

And um, while you may no longer be uh casting votes here on Tuesday night, uh your influence will echo every decision to make and keep Bellevue safe, vibrant, and inclusive.

So I too just think that um you know the the entire city, all its residents, um, and you're hearing from your colleagues here, how much we have enjoyed um the time working with you, um, the impact that you've had on the city, um, and how much we are going to um miss your vision, your courage, and your unwavering devotion to this city.

Uh you have given us the gift of your leadership.

Um, thank you, Winnie.

Um, and I think as a city we're we're better off for it.

Thank you, Conrad.

Councilmember Pardon.

I'm so sorry for the interruption.

Apes, Councilmember Silver.

Definitely mayor needs to leave, and he was wondering if he could go next.

Of course he can.

Go ahead, Deputy Mayor.

There, I am in New York, and uh I even cannot be on the camera.

Conrad, if I were there, I would give you the biggest hug that you deserve.

Uh, this is a big moment.

32 years.

32 years of the people of Bellevue saying yes, we want him back.

You can't buy that kind of trust.

That only happens when someone like you, Conrad shows up, listens, and serves with their whole heart, year after year, for 32 years.

When I joined the council, I made it a point to check in with you often.

I wanted to learn from someone who had seen everything, the growth, the challenges, the wins, and the hard nights.

And Conrad, you always had time for me.

You shared openly, honestly, and with his with your deep belief that good leadership is something we pass forward.

What I have always seen in you is steadiness.

You show up, stay true to your principle, and keep Bellevue and its people at the center of every decision.

You brought engineering, business sense, and a very human compassion to everything you touched.

You were the first Asian American on this council.

You opened a door that someone like me could walk through decades later, whether you call it that or not, that is part of your legacy, and I am grateful for it.

Conrad, you have been here longer than some of our buildings, longer than most of our traffic projects.

And longer than I have understood our zoning codes.

But what I have always appreciated is that you never stopped caring.

You never stop asking the right questions, you never stop fighting for this community.

And just so you know I am still going to call you, my friend.

32 years of wisdom doesn't retire tonight.

Not if you don't change your number.

I am better because of you.

And generations who may never know your name will still feel the effects of the choices you made and the heart you gave to this city.

Thank you for everything, my friend.

Councilmember Sumadouria.

Thank you.

As you know, I'm one of the most emotional council members, so I think one piece of is not enough.

But so I think when I came to this country about 30 years ago, I was a 12-year-old girl, and I didn't know if I belong here.

And I saw you on the council, someone who looked like me.

And then you this is home.

Because you bring the hope for me to feel belong, and knowing we can call Bellevue home.

And that is something I couldn't find at the moment and anywhere else.

As a 12-year-old girl trying to navigate life, a whole new country all on my own.

When I see you at events, I want to see your name.

And I'm not gonna be alone.

As you know, in Chinese, home is Jia.

And ja, there's a roof on the top.

It means we are protecting our relationships together as a city, and that's how we build together.

So I'm so grateful for you to show me this is home, and then placing our relationship and the community relationship ahead of us.

And now I can raise my three children here in this place we call Jia.

Thank you.

And thank you.

Something else I wanna thank you is as you know that I am learning every day about new things from our colleagues and from you.

And then Chinese culture culture we call Shufu.

So that is teacher for life.

So that's not a teacher, we just learn from college, but it's a teacher for the rest of our life.

And we always gonna look up to you and learn from you.

And we will call make sure that we extend your legacy, not just in Bellevue, but to the world, because you deserve that.

Thank you.

And congratulations.

Please enjoy the retirement.

We are so proud of you, and I'm so honored to serve with you.

Thank you.

And then our city manager Diane Carlson.

Thank you, Mayor.

Uh Council members, and I hope I also don't uh cry here.

Um I first met Conrad in 1994.

I was at Association of Washington Cities, and um he was already well known at that point in time coming in and working with cities across the state.

I was so very lucky to come to work for Bellevue in 2000 and be um part of the team that um helped supported Councilmember Lee and the other council members uh during that time.

So Councilmember Lee, your time here is both remarkable and historic.

Um I never anticipated I would ever be in a position in my career to say uh goodbye to someone who had been in elected office for 32 years, so I feel very lucky to be doing that on behalf of the staff, uh, particularly here.

Um you have no doubt spent more time with city staff than any other council member has and probably will.

Um, and you have always been incredibly supportive of the staff, um grateful for their work and for their expertise.

And um, as you've said many times, we're a team, and that has gone um a long way with I can't, you know, we can't count the number of staff, right?

That you've worked with over the 32 years.

So thank you for um being that way and supporting the staff the way that you have.

Um, you've always pushed for innovation while at the same time um making sure, as has been pointed out that we were a fiscally stable um community, and that is um just a legacy that um will outlast you, of course, and has really made Bellevue um contributed to making Bellevue what it is today.

Um, in terms of um how you have interacted with the staff.

We you are well known, as you probably know, for your detailed questions to help understand the policy positions, um, but that has helped make great policy uh decisions over the years as well.

Um you also bring have brought such an enthusiasm to everywhere you go for Bellevue.

Everyone knows you love this city, and that enthusiasm brings people with you, and um has uh I think really also contributed to the legacy that you're leaving is just this incredible love for the city.

So you've made a lasting impact.

I'm sure that you know that by now.

Um, and on behalf of the staff, we wish you just a great retirement, and um we thank you very much for your devotion to the city.

And of course, we have a couple of guests for you.

Thank you.

Uh we've got the traditional glassy baby and your personalized street sign.

All right.

Wow.

See, look at this.

Okay, thank you.

Thank you very much.

Your turn.

My turn.

Yes.

Uh, before I sit down, I like to go over there, give my friend Claire a hug.

Go for it.

Thank you so much.

Thank you.

Thank you.

And uh I probably should have uh you know hug everyone on the podium, but it would take just so much time, and we don't want to embarrass ourselves as uh you know dignify council members, you know.

We don't want to show our emotion, but you know, I hope today is a bit different.

So I will sit down and uh oh I sorry that you didn't hear me that well.

But I hope you see our emotion.

Uh it's really uh very, very emotional time and also heartfelt.

Um, we just had a reception out there with the public, and I saw a lot of folks there, and a lot of people from the community.

Some I know well, some I don't know well, but they all turn out, and uh they all pour their heart out and they say nice things about me.

And so I really appreciated that.

So I didn't have a chance to say a few words, but I want to take this opportunity to say that uh I hear a lot of compliments, uh, but I feel very deeply is what I can respond to, what I've done for my 32 years of service, is really for the people that's out there that came that came to support not just me, but to support the city because they are the people that actually that we have a reason to work for to serve the community itself.

So I want to thank everyone who was out there and those of you who decided to stay also to hear the uh uh recommendation the council provides because I think the council uh represents the people, and they are the most uh influential people.

So I think uh they are the thing that can make things happen.

So I believe that they uh represent you know the pillars of the community.

So I appreciate uh they you know giving me uh sort of recognition of what I've done in the last 30 years, and uh just wanted to uh start from the beginning that I first of all want to thank my my wife.

Uh I probably have seen both of you more than I've seen her during the two years.

So I've talked and know more that you than my wife's so I want to thank her, and I want to uh acknowledge my son, Chris that's in the audience, and my daughter-in-law Maria.

And uh want to also recognize somebody else who's uh my first youth uh Intern from Interlake High School, Mason G.

And uh he's so quite accomplished individual, and uh he went on to uh become a road scholar, went to you and went to uh Cambridge or Oxford.

Oxford.

See, that's a distinction.

And he came back to Harvard Law School and got his law degree.

And but I thought he would just go out there and make lots of money.

But he's very committed, dedicated to community service because I believe the most important part of our service for the city of Bellevue is building the next generation of young people who will serve the community who will learn how to engage, how to dedicate their life to continue what the people who came ahead of us, and I have the fortune to be just one of those that had the opportunity to serve.

And I have the fortune to be just one of those that had the opportunity to serve.

And the reason I was able to serve that long is because the people, they all are wonderful people that are willing to contribute and engage to the betterment of the community and for the families of their young people that find the place, opportunity to grow, like the mayor said, to live and to educate and to visit.

This is a place spa none.

When I came here the first time, I saw the potential.

I saw Bellevue is such a wonderful place.

And it's proven to be the case.

I think people have continued to come to Bellevue for the very same reasons.

So I believe in the value of being doing the right thing for the right reason for the right people.

And I think you are the one that makes it possible for me.

So I want to really, instead of, I appreciate all the nice words that said about me.

But it's a reflection of what you have given me the opportunity and to practice, to learn based on my value, which is being reinforced.

Every time I do something that I feel that for the community, to the best of my ability, every time I interact with my fellow council members, I feel that I'm being empowered.

And that's what gives me energy.

Like, you know, Councilmember Jared mentioned, I have a lot of energy and a lot of value, I believe, because I'm energized by all of us.

We, you know, as 32 years of the council, we're served with many, many council members.

We all have different backgrounds.

We have different beliefs, we have different values.

So we don't always agree on the same thing.

But we always work together.

We always get along because we all believe in what's best for the people.

What's best people is to me is the uh I think Councilmember Hamilton mentioned it's a physical responsibility.

We got to make sure that we can only spend what we have, what we're willing to, what's going to benefit the community.

And I think we always come to the same conclusion.

And before we do that, to answer that question, we have to analyze, to be critical thinking, to see what the communities benefit, what individual benefit, what our future benefit.

And we have a community that is no longer what was when I first came here.

When it first ran for election, we have less than maybe 5% minority.

Now we are 50 over 50% minority.

So that is maybe one of the uh accomplishments.

You know, you mentioned a lot of things that attribute to me.

Actually, it's not just me.

When you say something you attribute to me, I think we all share in this effort as a team.

Because one person cannot accomplish all these things.

Maybe not even one thing.

It takes a team.

So we may disagree oftentimes, but we always come to the same conclusion.

We all know what, listen to the public.

We work for the public, we understand what the public wants.

We do the best to make sure that the public benefit is in our topmost of our mind.

So I really am fortunate.

Uh I'm going to just take another look at a few things as I mentioned to reinforce what I'm saying.

Uh, I appreciate the mayor saying that about Bellview Youth Theater.

Uh that's really my biggest uh pleasure is that we have a youth theater that accepts people with any background, any ability, whether young and old, they are free to join a group to learn about expression, learn about working with other people.

If they don't know how to act, they learn how to act, they watch other people die.

If they don't know how to sing, they follow other people, just follow their step.

If they know how to dance, they just do the same thing.

And nobody's rejected.

So I think that has really brought the city together this essence of we accept everyone.

And we make them as far part of the family, as we mentioned about course culture center.

Because we have lots of people who are here, but they are strangers, they have different uh handicaps, different barriers, the language barriers, culture barrier.

They don't know the community.

So I think in order for them to work together, they have to learn about each other.

So I think it's important to provide the city, can provide the resources and encouragement, the opportunity for them to learn about each other.

Once they do, they find out we are all the same.

We're all children of God.

But it's the value that we have.

We're all the same in God's eyes.

So by learning that, we actually can start working together to accomplish our common goals.

So that's the reason why we believe young people is so important, like Maya said, because you see the youth link, that's another wonderful group, and I have lots of young people that I have a foundation that have young people that work with me, encourage them that they can learn when they're young to be learning how to work other people.

So as you know, Jihad mentioned, uh I appreciate you can follow my guidance.

I'm always forward looking because I'm always learning.

Because when I work with young people, they have lots of great ideas.

They never say no to anything.

They think it's something that we can always do.

You know, the young people become uh uh inhibited when they learn from other people, from especially uh adults, that this is not possible.

That cannot be done.

So they started not to be thinking, looking forward.

So I think it's what I've been learning.

I learned from them, and I provide my experience, whether it be success or failure.

Uh another one is uh I appreciate you say devils in the details because that gives us the opportunity for us to think, to really discuss, consider.

Think long term, think big pictures.

And I think we've lived you know here long enough that we know that the Rome is not built in one day, it takes time.

So uh I'm a real you know strong advocate for community needs.

Um and also talk about uh let's see, one more thing is uh yeah, American by choice, absolutely.

Because we we all the whole country is a country of immigrants.

We all immigrants come from somewhere, but we all got together.

We all have one goal to build this country to be free for all, choice for everyone.

So I think that really is a good perspective.

Don't forget where we come from, don't forget our values, don't forget what we can do to help others to achieve the goal that we have, like Claire mentioned.

We want to make this place our home.

Home means a shelter on top of our head.

Uh home means that we belong here.

And I think by looking at how far we've come, you know, we didn't have any city council member, any public official in Bellevue.

That's not as a minority.

You know, so I think by looking at the makeup, you know, I think this is just amazing that we've accomplished a lot.

And the audience, the people who are participating.

Um I also believe, you know, because of that, we need to make the special uh help to offer to the minorities for the people who do not understand how to assess government.

So we need to learn them our hands and be able to listen to them and be able to serve them.

So because of all this I'm looking at, I'm also because I've spent a lot of time with young people.

Uh I think that I'm continuing to learn about new things.

And they gave me energy as well.

I gotta keep up with them.

So I that's why I'm encouraging you guys to keep up with me as well.

So I think we need to pass move forward.

We need to show up.

Uh I really appreciate Mo.

When he said that he's not here, I don't know whether he's still on the line.

But he really touched me by saying that uh, you know, we need to be people-centered.

We need to have human compassion, because this is what we live for.

That's what we need.

You know, when I left my home in China, went to Hong Kong and came to the United States.

I did not have a home.

I didn't have a country to call home.

I was uh somebody who escaped one government system and put another one and with no friends, no family, no connections, but I have to survive, and you know, it's it's not easy.

You know, so ultimately I got to the United States, and I was very lucky to be naturalized, be an American by choice.

Now, every time I you know listen to the national anthem, I feel that it's important.

We must remember.

It takes work, and we have to work at it.

We cannot take it for granted, we cannot relax.

So I think this is what keeps driving me that we never stop working for this country, and we have the principle to make sure that we look at this place as home, and we need to teach what we know to other people.

You know, I as a one of the minority, I've been very much involved with a lot of uh cultures, including Indian uh American group.

You know, when you mention teacher, Sufu in Chinese, in Indian, it's guru, right?

Guru Vandana's teaching and be the teacher and the light versus darkness.

So I think these are the principles that we live by, and they don't change.

They don't change just because of expediency, because it's going to help me today, maybe I won't need it tomorrow.

So I think that needs to be that big picture consistency, and uh so uh I appreciate the staff mostly, you know.

We haven't talked too much about staff.

Thank you, Diane, that you remember.

Uh the we as council members, we have so many issues to take care of, and we are just part-time, don't forget.

Most of us, some of have second jobs.

You know, the deputy mayor is not here because he's in New York.

You know, he's got a full-time job somewhere, and most of you do.

But we can only do what that we can do, and Bellevue has proven that we've done a lot of the right things.

You know, so I just want to finish it up because look at Bellevue in the 30 years I mean on the council.

Before I was on the council, in the last 50, eight years living in Bellevue.

Bellevue has changed so much.

Bellevue has come so long for such a long way.

I used to work for Boeing.

I live in Bellevue, I work in Renton, I live working Everett.

Today, if I drive to Renton, drive to Averett, they look the same as they were 50 years ago.

They still have the same Chinese restaurant, the same tavern, the same movie theater.

But look at Bellevue.

Bellevue has grown.

It doesn't mean it's just grown, period, but it's grown in a very graceful way.

Very gracious, graceful way.

We've grown with diversity, we've grown with acceptance, we've grown with understanding, we've grown very well.

That's why people continue to want to come here.

So I think to do that, it takes a lot of good work by the staff.

The good staff is very, very dedicated, they're very competent.

They're probably, you know, especially I want to mention uh our public safety people, our police department, our fire fighters.

They're just amazing.

I mean, they are dedicated, the job is risky.

I mean, they put their life on the line, and they work the butt off.

Somebody out there doing reception, I think Joe Vane mentioned from Chamber.

Uh I I'm what's what's what he said?

I'm like shit that loves shit.

We can skip that.

Yeah, we can skip that.

But that's what they have to put up with.

You know, and they do.

They do it willingly, and they work as a team.

They look as a family, especially firefighters.

They live together for a couple of days, you know, cooking, working, they have to respond.

Anytime there's an emergency, you know, if you have heart attack, you want to do it in Bellevue because they get it in less than five minutes.

So they save a lot of lives.

And police department officers, they put their life on the line.

So all these things are people who are willing to work.

And then on down the line through every department that we have, you know, they do the best that they can.

So uh I I hope that because of all that, I'm very blessed, I'm very lucky.

Sorry it took so long.

The hope this is the one of the every 32 years, the mayor will allow somebody, allow me to speak more than three minutes.

Thank you.

So thank you so much.

So uh I think I'm but I'm I'm done.

And I want to thank you.

And I will I just want to make one statement.

I will still be a very community-oriented, engaged resident of the city of Bellevue.

So you still hear from me, but you don't have to feel threatened that I have the power and authority to do bad things to you.

I would be there to work with you as part of the community.

Hopefully, I will provide some of my insight perspective to the council and work with you in the future.

So I give you most of my best wish, and I thank you all for being here today, and I will continue uh to be serving the community.

And I will continue to be serving the community.

Thank you very much.

I was told that I can give everybody a hug.

But I'm not going to go down there and keep all give you guys a hug.

Everyone.

Oh, so I feel like we should all get too.

Yeah, exactly.

Where's my second?

Okay.

So uh the next thing on our agenda is swearing in.

And uh we had an unusual situation this year where we had five uh elections.

Uh we don't usually have that, but we had two appointments last year, and so those two seats had to be uh run for re-election, and then we had three seats elected to four four-year terms.

So uh all of those positions are going to be sworn in uh by Judge Lisa O'Toole, presiding judge of the East Division at King County District Court.

She will be performing the swearing in for us, and so with that we'll have what did I miss something?

Do I do that first?

No.

No, no.

Nope.

Okay, so with that, I'll ask the two re-elected council members, myself and Councilmember New in House, as well as our two council members elected to unexpired terms, Councilmember Bargava and Summa Doiria to step off the dais for the swearing in, and I also want to invite up to the front council member elect Nareen Breyer, who will be sworn in this evening as well, be joining us on the dais beginning in January.

So here we go.

Yeah.

We'll hold down the port.

Okay.

I'll follow my husband up.

Mr.

Dan Watson.

Mr.

Dan Watson.

This is my life outside of Catholic.

So I'm given instructions.

I'm to stand over here.

So I'm gonna have you all line up over there if you would.

Our uh video folks have given us instructions.

Please.

Oh, sorry.

All right.

Is this what you need?

Yeah.

Oh, lovely.

Please.

Okay.

All right.

So each of our council members has a copy of an oath to follow along.

And it's my honor to be here to swear you in.

Uh the newly elected as well as the re-elected.

So just repeat after me as we go along.

I'll have each of you please raise your right hand.

We'll wait a moment here.

Sorry about that.

Well, it wouldn't be a meeting.

So I'll please have each of you raise your right hand.

I and state your name.

I know.

Do you solemnly swear and affirm that I will faithfully and impartially?

Solemnly swearing faithfully and impartially.

Discharge the duties of this office.

Discharge.

As prescribed by law and to the best of my ability.

As prescribed by law and to the best of my ability.

And that I will support and maintain the Constitution of the State of Washington and of the United States of America.

Thank you and congratulations to each of you.

Congratulations.

Congratulations.

Certainly.

Congratulations, you're very welcome.

Congratulations.

Oh, certainly.

We'll have some documents to sign here.

As well.

All right, so I need other elections.

I need um the mayor, um, Mr.

Councilmember Newman House, and our newest council member.

We're all going to have some documents to sign.

Uh, and we'll have three copies each.

Yes.

There you go.

Certainly.

Perfect.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Congratulations.

I think all three go to Ms.

Carlson.

Oh, I think we do.

I think they won't photos can.

I think they usually do, yes.

Yes.

Okay.

What's that?

Oh, that's right.

And I will present these, I think, to you.

Thank you.

All right.

And so.

Where do you want us?

We'll put our mayor in the middle, maybe.

Yeah.

Where do you want me?

Here we go.

Wonderful.

Three, two, one.

Thank you.

Okay.

Do I have a motion to approve the agenda?

I move to approve the agenda.

Second.

All those in favor sit aye.

Aye.

Any opposed?

Okay, City Clerk, do we have anybody signed up for oral communications?

Yes, thank you, Mayor.

This evening there are five pre-registered speakers.

So before I start going over the list of names, I'll go over a few of the rules that the council has in place.

The total time for oral communications is for a period of not more than 30 minutes, and all topics must relate to City above you government.

People speaking to items on tonight's agenda will be called first, and then if time remains, people speaking to items not on tonight's agenda will be called in both of those categories.

The presiding officer is authorized to give preference to those who have not spoken to council within the last sixty days, or who will be speaking on items that will come in front of the council within the next sixty days.

Each speaker is allowed to speak up to three minutes, and only three speakers are allowed to speak to any one side of a particular topic.

And then finally, I want to remind everyone that in compliance with Washington state campaign laws regarding the use of public facilities during elections.

No speaker may support or oppose a ballot measure or support or oppose a candidate for election, which includes one's own campaign.

Anyone speaking on those topics will be asked to stop.

With that, I will call our first speaker who is Chung Chen.

Good evening, my name is organization community.

Tonight I want to express our deep appreciation to Councilmember Conrad Lee for his remarkable 32 years of service to Bellevue.

His dedication, leadership, and commitment to representing the left uplifting our diverse community have left a lasting legacy.

It's my honor to present you a community appreciation plaque as a small token of our gratitude for your decades of public service.

Thank you for everything you have done for Bellevue, and we wish you all the very best in your next chapter.

Thank you.

Would you like to go for it?

Thank you so much.

Yeah.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Our next speaker on the list is Mason G.

City Council, good evening.

Thank you very much.

Mr.

Lee, I want to address my remarks today to you.

Three minutes is not enough time for me to summarize everything.

And I think a lot of what I will say has also been echoed by the honorable council members on the council already.

In 2011, I gave you a cold call.

And I can't believe that almost 15 years later, I can still see you being at the helm of the leadership for our incredible city here.

As you had mentioned earlier, I had globetrotted a little bit in terms of education.

And there was one thing that I always remembered.

And that was to be the type of leader that you have shown and proven to be.

One who has stuck to his values in times easy and hard.

And to show us what it is like to be a champion for our community.

I remember in 2011, 2012, I was your first intern.

And that was the year that you were elected to the mayorship.

And it showed me what it is like to be a minority in this country to take the reins of a great city and to grow it into the metropolis and the icon that it is today.

I kid you not.

When I was in the UK, when I'm in China in cities across the world, everybody knows the city.

Because this city is the symbol of innovation, of technology, and of leadership.

And that is in no small part due to your leadership.

I wanted to thank you for everything that you have done for our next generation.

That includes me.

It includes students who come after me.

And I want to tell you that your legacy is us.

Your legacy is the future of the city.

Nay, it is the future of this country.

And I have no doubt that for generations to come, people will remember your name and will take the flag and walk the path that you have walked.

Certainly, I will do so.

And it is has been a great honor to have known you so many years.

And I just wanted to close on one note, which is you are a legend.

And everybody in this community thanks you for your service.

Thank you very much.

Thank you.

The next speaker on our list is Matt Felton.

Looks like Mr.

Felton is joining us online.

Mr.

Felton, can you hear me?

Can you hear me?

Yes, we can.

Your time begins now.

Great.

Mayor, council members, thank you for your time this evening and apologies for not being able to be there in the room.

My name is Matt Felton.

I am the owner of Gateway One.

It's 11,000 square foot suburban office building located at Southeast 8th and 112th.

We have 28 tenants.

And Knockwood, we are at just about full occupancy.

Unusual for an office building in these times.

This is a testament to the success of the Bellevue community and the importance of this desirable location.

I'm here in support tonight of the pavement to places amendment, which supports a balance of TOD housing and ecological function.

Recently, Tramel Crow approached me to purchase part of my parking lot directly adjacent to the new light rail station to build 300 plus new homes, including 60 plus affordable housing units.

I'm ready to sell the land.

This is precisely the kind of transit-oriented housing Bellevue says it wants to encourage.

The obstacle is that I have a full office building.

And my major condition of sale is that trammel must replace the parking stalls they displace as I need them for my office tenants.

We paid 34 and a half million for this property, and it is not getting torn down for residential development.

We have way too much invested, and the building houses professional services related businesses that are important to Bellevue's success.

And the rent they pay for office space substantiates the large investment we made in purchasing the property.

The only way we can sell this land for the residential housing is to replace the parking.

Under current regs, these isolated islands are wetlands, which effectively block us from replacing parking and blocks the development.

That outcome doesn't serve Bellevue's housing needs.

It doesn't weaken environmental protection either.

Instead, it allows Bellevue to distinguish between true functioning critical areas, which absolutely should be preserved and artificial built environmental islands in the middle of asphalt.

The pavement to places amendment fix all fixes all of this.

Sorry, your time has expired.

I'd encourage you to email the rest of your comments to the council.

Oh no.

Our next speaker on the list is Mark Hoyt.

Hello, city leadership.

My name is Mark Hoyt with Tramil Crow Residential.

We are the developer of middle-income housing all over Puget Sound Region.

Um, you just heard Mr.

Felton speak about uh the complications that we're we're trying to navigate for our proposed critical area code amendment, which is termed pavement to places.

It was great seeing a lot of you last night at the chamber events.

Um I predict particularly enjoyed Mayor Robinson's commentary that Bellevue is an open for business and business friendly environments.

Um I was very inspired by the commentary from the council about the word home.

That's what we do.

We are trying to create a new development that will provide 300 homes, 60 of which will be affordable.

Um I have been working in this region for 20 years, primarily focused on middle income housing developments.

For my entire career, the leadership of this region has done a tremendous disservice to the public by under supplying housing.

The reason for this is two primary reasons.

Public opposition, NIMBY groups, neighborhoods that fight developments.

I've been involved for months and months on this project.

There's no public opposition.

There is zero public opposition to what we're trying to accomplish here.

The other reason these housing developments don't occur is what I call the bureaucratic web of complications.

This is no individual's fault.

The city staff has an important job.

The city staff is very talented.

They are set up in the same bureaucratic complications that we all are stuck in.

They're doing their job and they're very talented at it.

The only way to cut through the bureaucratic web of complications is for the city leadership to provide leadership.

The choice is yours, council.

Do nothing, and this property will remain a parking lot for decades to come.

If you decide to take decisive action and direct staff to create a path to adopt a code amendment and allow us to work with city staff to advance our application, five years from now, we can deliver 300 new homes, new residents that can that can move here.

They can call Bellevue their home.

We appreciate your support.

The timing cannot go on forever.

We appreciate your support.

Thank you.

Thank you.

The final speaker on our pre-registered list is Tim Hayes.

Good evening.

Let's discuss the expensive misuse of stream typing.

Not all streams have fish.

The neutral experts in ecology, fish, etc., which the city hires have typed our streams.

F for fish bearing, N for non-fish bearing.

It'll be a huge financial windfall to developers if they receive a city designation of N with its requirements for far smaller buffers, among other things.

In place of those recommended for the type F streams.

An employee in your planning section has sent out two separate emails with the following expectation.

Quote any new permit application or request for some type of activity in or adjacent to a stream, would have to provide an evaluation that includes the typing of the stream based on field evaluation, including determining the location of the ordinary high water mark for delineating buffers.

Well, a staff has created a framework in which the developer has a clear conflict of interest.

The fish expert would be chosen by and paid by.

An impossibility.

All with the city's perhaps perhaps illegal encouragement to perform a fraudulent act.

We have state experts, and we are ignoring our own experts in favor of the developers.

Why would we do this?

Thank you.

Thank you.

That is the end of our pre-registered list.

So at this point, I would ask if there is anyone else joining us this evening who would like to make a comment, please raise your hand.

That goes for those online as well.

And I see your hand, please come forward.

Yep.

Good evening, council.

Happy Advent.

And uh thank you, Conrad, for your service.

The issue of parking.

I've asked to be uh notified when I can get together with you to discuss some changes in the parking laws.

I would like to help you.

Um residential parking.

I'm not talking about commercial parking or streets that don't have any parking because they're thoroughfares.

Um I I'm asking you to get back to me on that.

And I want to compliment where the potholes have been filled, and I will continue to report where there are potholes, and there are some on Northeast 12th.

Uh between about 128th, I think, and no, no, it can't be 100.

Yeah, between 124th and the next street, must be 120th or something down the hill west.

There's a pretty big one.

And there are some others.

So I sent an email, or I tried to send an email this morning.

I don't think you got it this morning.

You might have gotten it late this afternoon.

Um, I'd like to meet with uh traffic people for some insights on making the traffic flow better, making the traffic lights work better.

Thank you.

I did not see any additional hands, Mayor, so I'll turn it back to you.

Okay.

So we have some council business to take care of.

We need to determine the procedure for electing our mayor and deputy mayor at our council meeting on January 6th, 2026.

The default method is Robert's rules of order.

Um, and but in the last, I think, six elections, we have given direction to use the simultaneous voting method.

Um so I would like to ask for a motion on a preferred method.

Uh I move to adopt a temporary council rule authorizing conducting the January 6th, 2026 elections for mayor and deputy mayor by voting all nominees simultaneously using the simultaneous voting method of voting.

Second.

Okay.

Any comments or discussion?

All those in favor say aye.

Aye.

Any opposed?

Okay, thank you.

The next is we need to select a temporary chair.

This is my last meeting as mayor, and um, I will not be mayor after this by choice or by default.

And so we will need to select somebody to temporarily run the beginning of our next meeting until the new mayor is selected, and then we will hand them the gavel and they will continue to run that first meeting.

So this is a motion to select the temporary chair.

Is there a motion?

I move to nominate Mayor Robinson to be the temporary chair for the January 6th, 2026 council meeting.

Second.

Okay, all those in favor say aye.

Aye.

Any opposed?

Okay, thank you.

We got that done quickly.

All right, next up is the consent calendar.

Is there a motion to approve the consent calendar?

I move to approve the consent calendar.

Second.

All those in favor say aye.

Aye.

Any opposed?

Okay.

Um, does anybody need to take a break?

Yeah, you want to take a break?

Okay, we will take a little break.

Sorry for everybody who's here for the meeting.

We're back in session.

We have um an ordinance and a resolution.

We're doing the resolution first, so I'll have the city manager introduce that for us.

Thank you, Mayor.

Um, yes, our first um item is staff is bringing back to you revisions to the diversity advantage plan twenty thirty-five.

That's our strategic framework to guide policies and practices related to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

And at the um study session in November, council requested some modifications, and staff is here tonight to explain those and to seek council um consideration to approve the diversity advantage plan.

So we have Sarah Boyle, our DEI and community outreach administrator, and Joe Todd, our deputy city manager to present this this evening.

Great.

Uh so mayor council members, I'm just gonna turn over to Sarah Boyle, she needs another induction.

Thank you.

Good evening, Mayor, Council members.

Uh, we're happy to be back presenting this to you.

Uh so we are going to present some very brief updates uh on the plan.

And tonight we are um hoping that the council will consider adopting resolution number one oh five six eight, which would be the adoption of the diversity advantage plan two thousand thirty-five.

As a reminder, uh, we were here two weeks ago at the November twenty-fifth council meeting, um, which we presented the Diversity Advantage Plan 2035 to Council.

At that meeting, uh, we had some really good conversation, and in addition to expressing some hopes and desires about implementation of this plan, uh council also directed staff to do some amendments to DAP twenty thirty-five.

Uh, in that time, staff had taken those uh recommendations to heart, and we have uh amended three parts of the plan following that direction.

So the first edit you will see uh is about equity objective six point one, which is regarding access to human services.

You also will see an amendment to equity objective two point one, which added nonprofits as an important focus group as part of our economic development objectives, and then also amendments to section seven point three, which clarified language pertaining to the city's cross-cultural center projects.

Uh, with these amendments, we hope that this plan will meet the needs of the council.

Um, and we would love to hear your thoughts on uh uh moving to adopt this resolution.

Thank you.

Thank you.

I looked at the um amendments that you made, and it felt like it really reflected what we talked about at the last meeting.

So I want to thank you for doing the work of that and um integrating that into the program.

I have no problem uh moving this forward, and I want to thank you for all the excellent work that you've done.

It's been a tremendous process for you and very inclusive of the community and all the stakeholders, and so I'm very proud that our city has the capacity and the staff to do work like this.

Thank you.

Any comments or questions on this?

Do you have your head?

No.

Okay.

All right, is there a motion?

Could I ask the question just to clarification?

Yes.

Uh that is cross culture center.

Okay, not with a wall.

Do you want them to read it to you?

Yeah, I like to have the public here.

Thank you.

Yes.

So in section uh it was 2.7, I believe we had.

7.3, excuse me.

Um, we had some uh a title that was referring to some community engagement happened that happened that was called the cross-cultural center without walls.

We've amended that title uh to be just the cult cross-cultural center community workshops.

Okay.

Okay.

Thank you.

All those in favor.

Did we do a motion?

No.

Could I have a motion, please?

I move to adopt resolution one zero five six eight adopting the diversity advantage plan 2035.

Second.

All those in favor say aye.

Aye.

Any opposed?

Great.

Congratulations.

Thank you so much, Council.

Thank you.

Okay, next up we have an ordinance, and I'll ask the city manager again to introduce this, please.

Thank you, Mayor, and council members.

Uh this evening we have Director Rebecca Nick Rebecca Horner and Nick Whipple and Kirsten Mant from our um development services department.

They're they're back tonight to uh briefly review the critical areas ordinance land use code.

Um, and this is in strike draft as directed by the council to come back this evening.

They are seeking um council consideration to approve this ordinance uh tonight, um, in part to meet the state mandate that uh requires us to have an updated uh ordinance by the end of the year.

So with that, I will turn it over to Nick.

Great, thank you.

Uh, and good evening, Mayor Robinson and members of the council.

Uh, we are here tonight to talk about the critical areas ordinance update.

We are seeking council direction um to adopt the critical areas ordinance.

Um that's ordinance number 6894 for our agenda.

We just want to recap briefly on the update process, um, and then Kirsten will walk through at a very um fast pace.

Uh, the general scope of the critical areas ordinance that's before you tonight.

Um, we'll recap the November 12th study session and then uh seek direction to take action.

Starting first with the critical areas update process as a refresher.

Um, this is a requirement under the Growth Management Act.

Um, cities have to periodically review and update their critical areas ordinances.

Um that's on a roughly 10 year cycle.

Um we are uh using or charged to use best available science as we update our code and then conduct a gap analysis to figure out which areas of the code um need to be amended to meet um some of the recent state law changes as well as best available science.

So that process um has been followed and led to the draft code, which was reviewed by the planning commission and ultimately recommended to you all.

We wanted to just highlight um what this LUCA is intended to achieve.

Um this has been a lengthy process with uh quite a lot of stakeholder and uh community input.

Um the updated code is widely viewed as a success because it does responsibly balance strong environmental protections with the flexibility needed uh to meet our housing and job growth targets.

Um we are also hearing that this land use code amendment is being cited by some organizations as a model for other jurisdictions to follow, particularly as it relates to the innovative mitigation um provisions.

The code does strengthen safeguards for our high quality critical areas, it improves degraded stream segments through incentive-based tools, and it offers innovative options for more challenging sites.

At the same time, it streamlines and simplifies the review process and removes some of our um restrictions that were really limiting some of the growth that we were wanting to see.

So now Kirsten's gonna walk through um some of the specifics that the code is wanting to achieve here.

Great.

Thanks, Nick.

Uh so some of this will be kind of a rehash of what we discussed before, but wanted again to kind of go through an overview of what is in the draft uh for the meeting purposes.

Uh really the first thing we looked at were where we can find some easy wins for development flexibility within the code, um, outside of the actual critical areas regulations themselves.

Uh, one of those being a density-intensity calculation that reduces yield.

Uh similarly with law coverage reduction, some restrictions on middle housing we'd originally implemented back in June, uh, and then reducing some of the complexity in our setback section for buffer setbacks.

For streams and wetlands, as Nick mentioned, we did increase some stream buffers for high quality intact segments, but then also created a number of different flexible pathways for reducing buffers uh for improving streams.

Um I did want to note as well as there was a comment regarding stream typing, that process does have a pretty vigorous review component.

Oftentimes our staff will utilize our third-party reviewer to make sure that the documents provided by the development community and their application materials meet the standards required.

So it is a pretty involved process.

For wetlands, we aligned our habitat scores with state standards, added some mitigation, timing and ratio language, and then added a pathway for fill of a potential fill of CAT for small wetlands consistent with ecology guidance.

Geohazards and critical aquifer recharge areas.

Geohazards was a big topic for looking again for some easy wins for when we may not want to consider a slope, a hazard if it's man-made or can otherwise be modified to remove the hazard.

Really trying to base this off of safety and geotech reports.

Critical aquifer recharge areas.

We didn't have a specific section on this yet.

And we do have some wellhead protection areas, so needed just some small code to address that.

Uh, primarily just looking to make sure we're not uh getting bad stuff into our groundwater.

And then for the additional development tools.

This is where we were really looking at those creative solutions, particularly for streams and our already degraded industrial areas such as Bell Rat and Wilverton, uh, including the innovative mitigation project tool that Nick mentioned.

At the November 12th study session, we heard uh just general support of the planning commission recommendation.

Uh, there was some uh robust discussion around a potential code amendment for developing over category three wetlands in limited situations, uh, but ultimately at the close of that session, the direction we heard was to bring back uh the ordinance uh as recommended by planning commission for final action.

And then next steps right at the very end of this slide, uh few weeks away from the December 31st deadline, and uh looking forward to wrapping up the project.

And so again, our direction uh for council consideration is to consider adopting the ordinance uh as drafted.

And that is what we have for the presentation.

Okay, thank you very much.

Can we start with a motion?

I move to adopt ordinance 6894 relating to critical areas, revising the city's development regulations, governing critical areas, and revising other related development regulations to comply with the state mandated update deadline of December 31st, 2025, amending chapters 20.20, 20.54A, 20.45B, and 20.50 of the Bellevue Land Use Code, amending parts 20.25D, 20.25H, 20.25L, 20.25P, 20.25q, 20.30 D, and 20.30p of the land use code, providing for severability and setting an effective date.

A scrivener's uh for 20.45A.

So is there a second?

Okay, great.

All right, let's open it up for discussion comment.

Uh Councilmember Hamilton, would you like to start us off?

Yeah, great.

Thank you, Mayor.

Um Rebecca, Nick Kirsten, thank you.

I am really pleased with how well the critical areas update is turned out.

I think one of our community members put it best when saying that the update is an important step toward unlocking housing opportunities in the city while achieving meaningful habitat restoration and protection.

A number of important questions are answered by the update.

We can now go about some of the city's most important business because we have a clear understanding of how we protect and enhance our critical environmental areas.

The update includes a great deal of community input.

I appreciate all of the time and expertise that community members have given to this effort.

Uh tremendous effort from Rebecca Nick and Kirsten.

There were so many moving parts, questions, and opinions for them to consider and react to.

And you did it with the high level of professionalism, care, and intelligence that you bring to all the work you do.

I also want to thank you for scrambling to respond to my interest in considering how we might be able to look at category three wetlands in such a way as to support housing development in TOD areas when mitigation efforts can support an overall improvement to on-site wetlands enhancements.

I really appreciate the additional analysis and information on our category three wetlands, the thoughtful research into practices and other jurisdictions, and following up with the city's technical consultant and department of ecology staff is really helpful.

After reviewing the staff response in the report, I'm satisfied with the current critical areas draft as written.

I know staff are committed to working with applicants to find solutions that support our housing and development goals.

I encourage housing suppliers to work with staff, guided by the ordinance I expect we will adopt tonight to fully explore the newly added development flexibilities as well as all other existing code adjustments and modification options.

I'm confident that there is a workable path forward that does not require further changes to their critical areas ordinance.

And I'm equally confident that our staff is fully committed to working with all developer and housing suppliers to get to yes on the full range of development projects that want to get moving in Bellevue.

Again, uh great work and ready to move forward.

Thank you, Mayor.

Thank you.

Councilmember Sumaduiria.

Thank you, Mayor.

Um thank you for doing thank you for listening.

Also dive into the questions that I asked, I think offline too.

And I want to acknowledge next like providing the statement about the net zero reporting requirement from the state.

That was very clear.

Thank you for doing that.

Because it states that it does require us to protect all functions and values of critical areas to ensure no net loss of economic function.

And I know that our community member really cares about that.

The fact that we there is a higher law regulation requires to do that.

So which means good.

It means holding us accountable, make sure that we protecting the ecosystem as well.

Um I am grateful that we are adding the clear language about how the pathway to how to get to the wetland category three.

Um one asks as is have we made any effort to make it very clear for possible future developers, like how to achieve that pathway.

If anyone wants to get certified for category three.

Yes, uh, we um did add in some updates to the code to define or better define what a qualified professional looks like.

Um, and then the direction is that uh development community would have to engage with a qualified professional to do that typing and to determine what are the exact um uh constraints on their site or the critical areas on their site.

Um so we have updated the code just to make sure that it's really clear um what it means to have a qualified professional look at a site.

Okay, thank you.

That's all my question.

Council member.

Thank you.

Uh I also want to thank the great body of work um that um you have uh embarked on with this, and um and the the quality of work is reflective in uh what we're looking to uh uh adopt tonight.

So um just outstanding work all around, really appreciate um the overall uh balance uh on environmental protections as but also looking at and taking into consideration uh a lot of the the development pieces of it as well.

Um certainly the um you know as it relates to the stream segments or improving protections for critical areas, all that is well reviewed, and the the consultants and the others that we use uh to get to that point was um all very very important.

Um I think that again that work ref reflects it.

Um I just have uh two questions.

Uh one uh regarding uh Tim Tim Hayes' comments um and uh Kristen, I think I think um he mentioned some emails back and forth with with with you with you as well.

Could you just clarify that a little bit in terms of the uh I think I had a phrase correct in terms of proving a negative what uh what what um maybe he's referring to or maybe what the disconnect is in terms of um what the policy we're looking to to outline or implement here.

Sure, and I'll mention that that process is really the standard process.

It's our current process.

Okay.

The standard process for all cities.

Um I used to do current planning and in Bothel we had a ton of uh critical areas permits.

Um essentially the applicant really bears the burden of proof in a permit review application to bring those materials, which includes uh a qualified professional, in this case, one for typology of streams to bring an evaluation of that stream.

Okay, uh, type the stream, show with the ordinary head watermark is mapped, and then staff will review that typically with a third-party reviewer.

Oftentimes that will be kind of the city's expert to make sure that what's in that document is accepted.

Um, and then that's kind of the process that we go through to ensure what's there.

We do have a lot of that mapped, but oftentimes the that data is a bit old.

Uh so it's there is kind of a guide, and we generally tend to know where a lot of the fish bearing streams are versus our type end streams.

Um, but again, that has to come through the application process as well to verify that.

That makes perfect sense.

Thank you.

And I'm glad to hear that that's no different than um a lot a lot of other ways it's being done.

But thank you, Kirsten, for um clarifying that, and hopefully he's listening if he's not uh here with us here anymore.

The other question is in regards to Tramel Crow as we heard during uh oral communications and their desire um as well as the city's collective desire to create more housing and affordable housing.

Um if we pass what we're passing here tonight, um where does that leave the and I believe there's an ongoing conversation happening still with them in order to um uh create um so the the this housing the 300 units and then maybe even more importantly the six to five affordable housing units um what would be their path to making that happen still, or do we need to initiate uh an amendment tonight in order to continue that conversation to uh to see this uh development come to fruition?

Thank you, Councilmember Shrebeka Horner with Development Services.

We are committed uh as mentioned earlier to meeting the city's housing goals.

The path forward after tonight would be if they're interested in continuing to pursue the site to look at alternative layouts that could achieve the density that they're looking for within the allowances of our codes, so we would continue to work with them to find solutions.

And we did ask them, we went with them earlier today to let us know if there were other heightened area standards or densities that they could look at uh utilizing to help achieve their density without impacting the delineated wetlands.

Okay.

Um and did we um I think I believe last time this came before us, I mentioned uh report about that wetlands.

Have have you had a chance to to view that and to see if that um change the the argument or the the the environment, if you will, of what their ask was.

Um you remember what I was referring to, correct?

Okay.

Uh and they did submit um their attorney that we've submitted that wetland report um last week.

Um I think it was about 160 pages, uh very detailed, um, and it's something that I'm not a professional in, and that's something we would rely heavily on our third party to engage with.

Okay.

We have not sent that out for third party review.

Okay.

Um, but at least in that the top line kind of um review there was that it was a category three wetland.

I don't remember the reading, uh, but it was uh a category three wetland is what they were representing in the report.

Okay.

Um what would it take to digest or I guess have a consultant or expert digest 160 uh page uh report and then continue to work with with tramroll uh tramrel crow?

Yeah, the third party review process um it would require our our third party to not only verify the documentation but then do a field visit as well and and confirm the conditions are as they're stated in the report.

So um that does take time.

Um it's also not something I I can't recall if they have a formal application still or if they were just operating under a pre-application.

So we'd also probably want them to get something registered with us so we can engage.

Totally get that.

But here's my concern.

It's this sounds like it's uh a limited uh opportunity for us to create this housing.

So I guess what I'm looking for is without actually inserting an amendment.

Can we um commit?

Can staff commit to continue to do that work, do the study, do the field site, and and continue to work um uh with Tremor Crow to get to a point where we can create this housing that we so desperately need.

And can we do that in a you know six six month, nine-month uh period to keep this on track if possible?

I'm not comfortable guaranteeing that at the end of this they are going to get to create the housing that they propose.

So, how about we just ask that that process continue of working with them and everything else and let it come to its own conclusion?

Well, fair enough, Mayor.

I just want to underscore the the urgency um or else this opportunity goes away.

I don't think there's any guarantees as the urgency um to to come to some resolution or some agreement.

We're committed to continuing to work with them.

Okay.

Thank you.

Council Member.

Yeah, I think a lot of my points sort of have been covered in the conversation already.

But I do want to say thank you for the great work done to the whole team for uh also reacting so quickly to the requested changes and coming back with that.

And also want to reiterate that it's really incumbent upon not just Tramble Crows and example, but all housing providers, developers, to work closely with the city and the city in return work closely with the development community to find the spirit of this ordinance is sort of let's find innovative science-based solutions and not get stuck in uh sort of legacy uh rules and regulations.

Uh and so that spirit I think we should sort of embody in this set of negotiations and and hopefully work with the teams to come across uh uh innovative solutions uh to to maximize density but also making sure that we're preserving what is critical ecologically for our city.

So thank you for that.

Uh many of the questions that I had or clarifications came through, and Councilmember New and answers uh question.

So thank you.

Appreciate the work.

Thank you.

Um I'll go and I'll have Councilmember Lee go.

Um I feel very similar to Councilmember Vargada that um, you know, I appreciate all the work you've done.

I appreciate the answer that question.

Thank you for asking that, Councilmember New Enhouse uh for that request.

And I you know, we have properties in Bellevue that are really located well.

The location is excellent, but they they have challenges because of the wetlands, and most of Bellevue used to be a swamp.

So, you know, we're we're a big wetland, some of which has been drained uh more than other areas.

And so I like to think that we can get creative with how we work with these properties that have require special treatment, and I'd like to think that we can incorporate the the asset that water is and that we don't just completely try to abate the water, that we work with it and find ways to do that in an ecologically sound way.

So I'm looking forward to your continued conversations with the developers to see what we can do on those properties.

Thank you.

But I will I'm supportive of uh as proposed.

Councilmember Lee.

Thank you.

Uh good work.

Yeah, uh, we all understand and we all support that housing is number one.

Um the one thing that you know we talk about environment, which is also very important, you know, which is critical area we're looking at.

And uh if we have enough uh land for housing, I would say that the critical area may not be the top uh candidate, you know, to compromise.

Uh I'm not sure what it does mean by compromise.

You guys have the challenge.

Uh that was in the detail, as we mentioned.

So I I I that's why I want to ask the question similar to what uh council member Newarhouses asked.

If uh we need this pay the land for the housing for uh well, let's go back one more when one bit first, talk about Mr.

Hayes Kim in.

He said that we have to work with the developers to determine uh what you know defines uh uh critical area depending on the fishes, whether they uh are not.

I know I'm no expert in trying to make those uh conversations uh or decide what it is.

So do we the the code that we are making, the ordinance was proposing.

Uh, do we can we handle do we have ways to you may I think the question was asked by Councilmember New Hans.

I think you you answered it.

We do go through consultants and various other things.

Uh I I think that's a good process.

You obviously you are doing what you need to do.

But I just wanted to be sure what's the what's the risk?

Well what's the ultimate assurance that we are making the right choices that this in fact is not going to be, you know, critical area.

Oh, this would be a critic area based on our you know consultants or whoever would advise us to make that's number number one question.

I assume so if you can answer me that first.

Yeah, it would be kind of largely similar to my other response, which is that's just part of the review process.

We have a actually a specialized team in our land use department that just does environmental review, and so they work together and with our third-party reviewer and their management staff if there's questions that come up for maybe some more complicated sites to confirm what is in the application materials and ultimately issue a determination and a decision.

Okay, so we're comfortable, we're confident that we will be able to make the right choices, right decisions.

Yes, and like I mentioned, this has been the process.

It's really kind of a standardized process.

They seem to have some concerns that maybe you know the final this determination may not be, you know, well, it might be.

So I'm good.

I'm gone.

Second question is really regarding Chemical Code.

Uh wanted to build affordable housing there.

Does the ordinance actually do we need to do something with the ordinance?

We were questioning when can they do it?

What do they need to do it?

Uh, whether in fact that they can go ahead.

And if we determine that affordable uh affordable housing or mid-housing, in fact, is uh uh can be uh enhanced by building in that area.

So what does it take?

Just you're gonna work with them.

I know, but is there something that is tied to the ordinance that we're gonna approve today, or it's going to be something separate that you can be working on.

As the team mentioned, the ordinance represents a balance of development opportunity flexibility and protection of the environment, environmental resources.

So we're committed to working with any applicant on this property to try to maximize the potential housing opportunities, but maintain that balance with our ecological resources.

Okay.

Um so that is what we intend to do to try to help them utilize all of the flexibilities that are now built into the ordinance that we presume will be passed this evening.

Okay, so there's a lot more flexibility built into this ordinance than there was previously, and that was intentional to allow easier development of housing to meet our housing goals.

Okay.

So this ordinance would help facilitate that.

Yeah, but the ultimate decision is still whether it is you know critical area or not, whether it's not fact and whether that indeed it's important to have the houses build there in that area to compromise uh the intent of the critical area.

No, that's not being the case.

Okay, I'm thank you.

Good for the information.

I'm happy.

All right, thank you.

We have a motion that has been seconded.

All those in favor say aye.

Aye.

Aye.

Any opposed?

Okay, that passes.

We have uh two written reports in our packet that I encourage you to read.

And um I would ask a little for a moment here.

Um I've had the honor of being mayor here for um two or six years, and um I just want to thank the entire council for this privilege to serve you in this capacity.

Uh, Councilmember New in House, I served with you for four years.

You did a remarkably good job, and I enjoyed working with you, and I want to thank you for partnering with me on that.

I want to thank our current deputy mayor for the work that he has done for two years.

It's really been a pleasure to be in this role.

I want to thank our city manager for working with me and all staff.

It's it's it's definitely a team effort to uh work in this position, and I have felt the support, I felt your grace, your guidance and courage that you've given me to do this, and I just want to thank you very much.

And um I wish you all a happy holiday, and we will see you in January that we are adjourned.