Bellevue City Council Meeting – May 12, 2026

The Bellevue City Council met on May 12, 2026, starting at 2:00 PM. The meeting opened with a flag salute, roll call (Mayor Malakutin, Deputy Mayor Hamilton, Councilmembers Bargava, Newenhouse, Robinson, Sumatoria, and later Breyer), and four proclamations. Public comments were heard on a proposed targeted residential protest ordinance (Ordinance 6917) and on land‑use issues. The council then held study sessions on the 2027 sewer rate and capacity charge, and on high‑density residential and planned unit development (PUD) land‑use code amendments. The meeting concluded with adoption of Ordinance 6917.

Consent Calendar

• The consent calendar was approved by unanimous voice vote (moved by Deputy Mayor Hamilton, seconded by Councilmember Newenhouse). No items were pulled.

Proclamations

• Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (May 2026): Read by Councilmember Sumatoria. Accepted by a representative of CIC (Community and Immigrant Centers), who emphasized belonging and year‑round action. Former Councilmember Lee also spoke.
• National Public Works Week (May 17–23, 2026): Read by Councilmember Breyer. Accepted by Lucy Liu (Utilities Director), Mark Poe (Transportation), Shelley McVane (Parks), and John Reshaw (Finance). Speakers highlighted the collaboration across departments.
• National Police Week (May 10–16, 2026): Read by Councilmember Newenhouse. Accepted by Captain Benjamin Jones, who noted the department’s participation in a 250‑mile police unity tour honoring Officer Jordan Jackson.
• Older Americans Month (May 2026): Read by Councilmember Bargava. Accepted by Shilpa Mehta of the Bellevue Network on Aging, emphasizing the year’s theme “Champion Your Health.”

Public Comments & Testimony

Oral communications (30‑minute period) included 17 pre‑registered speakers. The following positions were expressed:

• Ordinance 6917 (Targeted Residential Protest):

  • In opposition: Nedine Hu (Seattle DSA) urged rejection, arguing the ordinance restricts political speech and has a chilling effect. Tony Andrews (Bellevue resident) stated the definition of “protest” is overly broad, and the ordinance could criminalize silent gatherings. Joseph Osteller (Seattle Against War) said the ordinance would shield Representative Adam Smith from accountability and suppress constituents’ right to protest at his home. Carla Capone criticized the ordinance for potentially equating campaign support with illegal protest.
  • In support: David Ellenhorn (Bellevue resident) said the ordinance is needed to prevent intimidation and harassment at homes. John Meyer (neighbor of Rep. Smith) described mob behavior, vandalism, and threats, urging passage.

• Land Use / Overlake Farm & Code Amendments:

  • Laura Bachman (Overlake Farm owner) expressed support for the legislative rezone and for studying PUD code amendments that allow modest height increases in exchange for tree preservation.
  • Ian Morrison (McCullough Hill, for Overlake Farm) supported the staff recommendation and urged the council to study height incentives up to 65 feet for significant tree preservation.
  • Pamela Johnston (Bridal Trails) criticized the density increases, stating the city has not adequately educated residents and questioning whether the EIS studied the cumulative impacts.
  • Barbara Hughes (Bridal Trails resident, online) expressed concern about increased density at Overlake Farm (up to 300 units on 20‑acre site), potential height of 52–65 feet, tree loss, stormwater runoff, and traffic impacts on 140th Avenue NE.

• Sewer Rates:

  • Al Diedeman urged the council to request more transparency from King County on the formula used to set sewer rates, and to evaluate alternatives to delay expansion projects.

Discussion Items

1. 2027 Sewer Rate & Capacity Charge Proposal (Study Session)

Director Lucy Liu (Bellevue Utilities) introduced the topic, noting that King County costs comprise nearly 60% of a typical residential sewer bill. King County Wastewater Treatment Division Director Cameron Grohl presented the county’s proposed 12.75% rate increase for 2027, with double‑digit increases projected for several years. The increase is driven by regulatory compliance (combined sewer overflow projects), high‑risk asset management, and system growth. Grohl described the 20‑year capital forecast and the need to balance affordability with regulatory obligations. He noted an independent third‑party review is underway and that a long‑range plan (RWSP update) will incorporate affordability.

Councilmembers expressed concern about the cumulative burden on residents, especially seniors and fixed‑income households. They supported a regional letter from Sound Cities Association urging King County to address affordability, transparency, and cost containment. Councilmembers asked about internal efficiencies, the role of CSO projects, and plans for improved ratepayer assistance. Liu highlighted Bellevue’s existing utility assistance programs (70% discount for low‑income seniors/disabled, emergency assistance, and the Neighbors Helping Neighbors program), which served about 1,000 households last year.

2. High‑Density Residential & Planned Unit Development (PUD) Land‑Use Code Amendments and Legislative Rezones (Study Session)

Nick Whipple (Code & Policy Director) and Sean Edgeill (Senior Planner) presented the scope of work. The package includes:

• Creating a new high‑density residential (HDR) land‑use district to implement the 2024 Comprehensive Plan (up to 60 dwelling units per acre, building heights yet to be set).
• Updating the PUD code (last updated in the 1990s) to make it a viable tool for large sites (10+ acres) by providing flexibility, objective standards, and incentives for affordable housing and tree preservation.
• Legislative rezones: applying the new HDR district to portions of Crossroads and Factoria, and rezoning a portion of Overlake Farm to low‑density residential to support a future PUD.

Councilmembers supported initiating the work. Several urged robust community engagement, especially in Crossroads and Bridal Trails. Deputy Mayor Hamilton suggested studying height incentives up to 65 feet for significant tree preservation on sites over 10 acres. Councilmember Newenhouse cautioned against “density fatigue” and emphasized maintaining what makes Bellevue liveable. Public comments earlier had raised concerns about traffic, tree loss, and infrastructure adequacy.

The council voted unanimously to direct staff to initiate work and refer the matter to the Planning Commission.

3. Ordinance 6917 – Targeted Residential Protest

City Manager Carlson and City Attorney Tannis presented the ordinance, which creates a gross‑misdemeanor offense for protesting in groups of four or more people in a manner that is narrowly directed at a residence in a residential land‑use district. The legal basis is the U.S. Supreme Court case Frisbee v. Schultz. The ordinance aims to balance First Amendment rights with the right to privacy and tranquility in the home. The definition of “protest” includes standing or patrolling with or without signs or noise, and “targeted” is defined by a focused posture or route directly in front of or adjacent to a residence.

Council debate: Councilmember Robinson supported, citing personal experience of being targeted and the need to protect elected officials from intimidation. Councilmember Sumatoria expressed internal conflict but ultimately supported, noting that home should be a sacred place and that she had received a threatening phone call at home. Councilmember Breyer opposed, stating the ordinance is too broad and may infringe on free speech. Councilmember Newenhouse supported, highlighting the narrow tailoring and the importance of protecting families from coordinated intimidation. Deputy Mayor Hamilton argued the ordinance is content‑neutral and aligns with Supreme Court precedent. The council also discussed implementation, including police training and the burden of proof.

The ordinance was adopted on a voice vote with some opposition (Councilmember Breyer voting no).

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar: Approved unanimously.
• 2027 Sewer Rate Letter: Council expressed support for the Sound Cities Association’s regional letter urging King County to address affordability and transparency. No formal vote was taken, but direction was given.
• Land‑Use Code Amendments & Rezones: Motion passed unanimously to direct staff to initiate work and refer to the Planning Commission. The scope includes studying height incentives of up to 65 feet for significant tree preservation on large sites.
• Ordinance 6917 (Targeted Residential Protest): Adopted on a voice vote (ayes prevailed, with one nay). The ordinance amends Bellevue City Code adding new Section 10.06.130, effective upon publication.