Bellevue City Council Meeting - April 14, 2026: Proclamations, Code Amendments, and World Cup Preparations
Bellevue City Council Meeting - April 14, 2026: Proclamations, Code Amendments, and World Cup Preparations
The Bellevue City Council met on April 14, 2026, to consider a range of items including four proclamations, public comments, a digital equity pilot, a public-private partnership development agreement (P3DA) land use code amendment, World Cup readiness preparations, a major sign code rewrite, and a bond refinancing. Several votes were taken, including adoption of two ordinances.
Proclamations
- Earth Day: Councilmember Robinson read a proclamation declaring April 22, 2026 as Earth Day, recognizing recipients from 300 Trees and Kurt Alert for their environmental work.
- Bellevue College 60th Anniversary: Councilmember Breyer read a proclamation celebrating six decades of impact and innovation by Bellevue College, which serves over 21,000 students and ranks first in Washington for 10-year return on investment.
- National Arab American Heritage Month: Councilmember Sumadaria read a proclamation designating April 2026 as National Arab American Heritage Month in Bellevue.
- Sikh Heritage Month: Councilmember Newhouse read a proclamation recognizing April 2026 as Sikh Heritage Month and celebrating Vasaki/Khalsa Day.
Consent Calendar
- The council approved the consent calendar unanimously (motion by Deputy Mayor Hamilton, seconded by Councilmember Newhouse). No specific items were listed on the agenda or discussed.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Randy Banneker (Seattle King County Realtors) expressed support for the draft sign code, praising compliance with the Reed v. Gilbert Supreme Court decision and the city's responsive process.
- Matt Chak (Bellevue Downtown Association) expressed enthusiastic support for the Bellevue Ready Kickoff Initiative, helping activate public spaces.
- Linda Hoffner (Spring District) also supported Bellevue Ready, highlighting plans for World Cup activations including food trucks, DJs, and a fashion show.
- Santiago Potenciano and Christian Matoy (co-owners of Andiamo Restaurante) voiced concern about repeated property damage by the same mentally disabled individual, resulting in over $40,000 in damages. They asked for coordinated responses between law enforcement and mental health services, and proactive protection for small businesses.
- Maria Hudson alleged that the Bellevue Police Department destroyed evidence related to her daughter's child sex trafficking case and failed to secure video footage, leading to no prosecution. She called for a criminal investigation.
- An unidentified speaker (resident housing homeless individuals) complimented police response to a resident's psychotic break, and requested ordinance changes for parking on steep hills and grandfathering parking regulations for pre-1994 homes.
- Ms. Dean (online, representing eight to twelve neighborhood associations) asked to exempt neighborhood associations from the temporary sign code registration requirement, arguing it creates unnecessary burdens and conflicts with city goals.
- Loretta Lopez (Bridle Trails Community Club board member, speaking personally) also argued for exemption, stating neighborhood associations help with outreach and should be regarded as partners.
Discussion Items
Digital Equity Device Pilot (Information Only)
- City Manager Carlson introduced the presentation. Sabra Schneider (IT Director) and Julie David (Business Operations Manager) reported on the first device pilot: 60 refurbished laptop kits (with 12 months of prepaid hotspot connectivity) distributed to income-eligible households through Mini City Hall and PCs for People. The pilot responds to a digital equity gap where over 1,200 Bellevue households lack connectivity or devices. Demand was immediate and strong. Participants will be surveyed at three and six months to measure impact. A second round is planned in 2026. The innovation forum's second annual event is scheduled for June 3, 2026 at Meydenbauer Center.
Public-Private Partnership Development Agreement (P3DA) Land Use Code Amendment
- Staff (Nick Whipple, Charlie Engel) presented Ordinance 6911 to establish a new development agreement pathway for projects where the city owns property or provides major funding (at least 10% of project cost and at least $5 million). The pathway will support affordable housing, sustainability, and economic development. The public hearing was opened and closed with no speakers; two written comments were received. Councilmember Robinson asked about applying good neighbor agreements to homeless services uses; staff confirmed flexibility. The council voted unanimously to adopt Ordinance 6911.
Bellevue Ready for World Cup 2026 (Study Session)
- Staff (Jesse Canedo, Liz Flores, Anthony Gill, Carl Lunak) presented Bellevue's preparations for the six World Cup games at Lumen Field in June/July 2026. Bellevue expects ~15,000 additional visitors with an estimated $23 million economic impact. Planned activations include viewing parties, a large mural, and community grants (~$300,000). Mobility coordination includes extended Link light rail hours and supplemental bus service. Public safety planning involves regional tabletop exercises and emergency operations center activation on game days. Council discussed hotel bookings (slightly slower but picking up), geopolitical safety concerns, price gouging prevention, language accessibility, and metrics for success (foot traffic, retargeting visitors). Council expressed strong support and appreciation.
Sign Code Rewrite (Study Session)
- Staff (Nick Whipple, Charlie Engel) presented a comprehensive rewrite of the city's sign code to comply with the Supreme Court's content neutrality ruling. Key proposals include a temporary sign registration program (initially for all small temporary signs but revised to only yard signs after feedback), exemptions for signs placed less than 24 hours, A-frames, and feather banners, and a complaint-based enforcement approach. Council members raised concerns: requiring personal contact information on signs (Deputy Mayor), applying registration to private property signs (Councilmember Newhouse opposed), and the lack of exemption for neighborhood associations (Councilmember Newhouse supported). Council directed staff to analyze alternatives for the registration process, distinguish public vs. private realm signage, and evaluate neighborhood association exemptions, and return with revisions. Councilmember Brar also questioned logical consistency between public and private realms.
Bond Refinancing (Action)
- Finance Director John Risha and Controller Michael Chandler presented a proposal to issue up to $90 million in limited tax general obligation bonds to refund 2015 bonds and acquire property. Anticipated net savings of approximately $1.7 million over the life of the bonds, in compliance with the city's 3% minimum savings policy. The sale will use a negotiated method to manage market volatility. The council voted unanimously to adopt Ordinance 6912.
Key Outcomes
- Approved the agenda and consent calendar unanimously.
- Adopted Ordinance 6911 (Public-Private Partnership Development Agreement Land Use Code Amendment) unanimously.
- Adopted Ordinance 6912 (Bond Refinancing up to $90 million) unanimously.
- Directed staff on the sign code rewrite to refine the registration program, consider private property exemptions, and examine neighborhood association exemptions, with a delayed effective date of January 2027 and ongoing community education.
- Received information only on the Digital Equity Device Pilot and World Cup readiness; no formal votes taken on those items.
Meeting Transcript
Welcome everyone. Thank you for being here and for taking the time to engage in our work. We are glad to hear from you, uh City Clerk. Are you ready for the roll call? Thank you, Mayor Melcutian. Here. Deputy Mayor Hamilton. Here. Councilmember Bargaba. Here. Council Member Bryan. Here. Council Member New Enhouse. Here. Council Member Robinson. Here. Councilmember Sumadoria. Here. Thank you. Deputy Mayor, would you please lead us in the flag salute? Yes. Please stand if you're able. Indivisible with liberty and justice world. We do have four proclamation tonight. The first one is Earth Day. Councilmember Robinson would read that and Barb Braun from Kurt Alert and Don Marsh on behalf alert and Don Marsh on behalf of 300 Trees would receive that. Could you please come and join us on the table? Yeah, please. There are four seats, so then the rest are going. And whereas Bellevue's identity as a city in a park reflects its longstanding commitment to preserving and enhancing natural spaces, ensuring clean air and water, and promoting biodiversity. And whereas the City of Bellevue continues to advance sustainability through the sustainable Bellevue Plan with goals focused on addressing climate change, improving energy efficiency, supporting suitable mobility, reducing waste and conserving natural resources. And whereas Bellevue is taking proactive steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote clean energy, expand green infrastructure, and grow the urban tree canopy and build climate resilience and protect future generations, and whereas community engagement is essential to achieving Bellevue's environmental goals with residents, businesses, and organizations participating in tree planting, habitat restoration, litter cleanup, and climate action initiatives. And whereas we, the City of Bellevue, encourage all who live and work here to take part in Earth Day activities, volunteer efforts, and environmental education opportunities throughout the community. And whereas the city proudly celebrates Earth Day at its annual Earth Fest event, taking place April 18th at the Belleby Botanical Gardens, and is open to the community to join us in celebration. Now, therefore, I Lynn Robinson, on behalf of the Bellevue City Council, do hereby proclaim April 22nd, 2026 as Earth Day. Please. And with recipients in 37 King County cities. In addition to our giveaway, we are now helping to run municipal giveaways in Bellevue, Redmond, Issoqua, and for the first time this fall, Samish. In partnership with Samamish High School and the Eastside Audubon Society, we've planted a thriving mini forest on the grounds of the high school. This mini forest joins similar projects in Issaqua in Seattle, helping to educate kids and building new habitat for our wildlife. Thanks, Benny. I'm Don Marsh, co-founder and vice president of 300 Trees. And it's my great pleasure and honor to serve with Benny and our other fantastic 300 trees volunteers. In addition to all the work Benny mentioned serving King County, we are also very engaged in the tree protection policies that have been developed and continue to serve Bellevue. Your focus on tree planting and tree protection benefits benefits not just our city, but it provides a great example and leadership for our region. We are grateful for that, because trees are integral to our quality of life and the health of our ecosystem. The physical benefits are well known. Cleaner air, reduced noise, mitigation for deadly heat islands, and storm water retention. But did you know that trees have documented mental benefits as well? Trees can reduce crime, improve property values, calm traffic speeds, and simply improve our state of mind.
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