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Record of Proceedings

Bellevue City Council Regular Meeting Summary - August 4, 2026

City Council — Tuesday, August 4, 2026
BodyBellevue, Washington
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, August 4, 2026
StatusNEW · FILED
Video Record
0:00 / 2:45:24
Transcript — Verbatim
0:00

August 4th meeting of the Bellevue City Council.

0:02

Good evening and welcome.

0:04

Thank you for being here and for participating in the work of the city.

0:09

Before we get to our agenda, I want to start by noting that over the weekend in Spokane, three fires forced 65,000 people to evacuate, and more than 700 homes were destroyed.

0:23

We are heartbroken for those who have lost so much, many only able to escape with the clothes they wore and whatever was in their car at the time.

0:32

The scale of loss is immense, and our thoughts are with every Washingtonian facing the trauma and displacement and uncertainty.

0:43

That said, no lives were lost, and that is a testament to emergency responders and protocols for evacuation.

0:50

And in the face of this tragedy, I think we are all inspired by the resilience and compassion that define communities in our state.

0:59

We have seen neighbors, first responders, and volunteers come together to offer shelter, food, and more.

1:08

If there is one other thing we should take we should all take away today, remember that we are still early in the summer and conditions are likely to get worse.

1:17

Please be vigilant and very careful with any spark or flame and follow the statewide burn ban in effect.

1:25

We are witnessing the incredible scale of damage and destruction that can be caused by these fires.

1:32

You are a part of protecting our communities, be safe and smart.

1:37

Thank you.

1:39

Additionally, as you can see, we are missing some folks on the dais this evening.

1:43

The mayor is unable to join us in person.

1:46

However, we can see that he is here with us online, and I'll be chairing this evening's meeting, given that he is remote.

1:54

Finally, Councilmember Bargova will not be in attendance at tonight's meeting, and I'd ask if there's a motion to excuse him.

2:01

So move.

2:03

Second.

2:05

Any discussion?

2:07

All those in favor say aye.

2:09

Aye.

2:09

Any opposed?

2:11

Okay.

2:11

The motion carries.

2:14

Thank you.

2:15

Okay.

2:16

Um moving on.

2:18

Uh City Clerk, if you would call the role.

2:21

Thank you.

2:21

Thank you.

2:22

Mayor Melakutian.

2:24

Deputy Mayor Hamilton.

2:25

Here.

2:26

Councilmember Breyer.

2:27

Here.

2:27

Councilmember New in House.

2:29

Councilmember Robinson.

2:30

Here.

2:31

Councilmember Simadoria.

2:32

Here.

2:33

Thank you.

2:34

Okay.

2:35

Councilmember Robinson, would you lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance, please?

2:38

Yes.

2:39

Please stand if you're able.

2:42

Pledge allegiance.

2:44

Of the United States of America.

2:46

And to the Republic for religious states.

2:49

One nation under God, indivisible liberty and justice for all.

2:56

Okay, we have uh three proclamations tonight.

3:00

I want to welcome uh Billy Allen from our CARES team to the desk, please.

3:06

And then we have who's reading that one.

3:16

Oh, you do?

3:17

Oh, I think we maybe kind of got those uh all right.

3:21

Well, here we go.

3:22

Um so International uh Overdose Awareness Day, I will read this one.

3:27

Uh whereas International Overdose Awareness Day is recognized globally on August 31st as an opportunity to remember those we have lost to overdose, support those left behind, and take action to prevent further loss of life.

3:42

And whereas drug overdoses continue to impact families, neighborhoods, and communities across Washington state, including right here in Bellevue, where fentanyl and other synthetic opioids have sharply increased the risk of unintentional overdose, and whereas the stigma associated with substance use disorders prevents too many people from seeking the help they need and perpetuates silence, isolation, and shame among individuals, families, and survivors, and whereas harm reduction strategies, including access to naloxone, overdose education, and supportive services are critical tools in saving lives and providing pathways to treatment and recovery.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Water And Wastewater Management███████████████████19%
Affordable Housing████████████12%
Public Engagement██████████10%
Active Transportation██████████10%
Public Safety█████████9%
Public Transportation█████████9%
Procedural█████5%
Hispanic Heritage████4%
Noise Pollution Regulation████4%
Summary of Proceedings

Bellevue City Council Regular Meeting Summary - August 4, 2026

The Bellevue City Council met on August 4, 2026, at 6:00 PM in a hybrid format. The meeting included three proclamations, oral communications from the public, a city manager’s report on wildfire response, and three study session items: a development agreement for the BelRed Arts Transit Oriented Development project, updates to utility connection charges, and the launch of a shared micromobility program. The council approved the consent calendar and directed staff on the first two study session items.

Consent Calendar

  • Approved the minutes of July 21, 2026.
  • Authorized an agreement with Hughes Fire Equipment, Inc. for four replacement Basic Life Support ambulances at a cost not to exceed $1,600,116.
  • Authorized an agreement with Braun Northwest, Inc. for one Bomb Squad Support Vehicle at a cost not to exceed $530,354.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Maria Lau Huey (former chair Bellevue Arts Commission, co-founder BelRed Art District Community Alliance, Habitat for Humanity) spoke in support of item 10A, stating the development agreement modifications are directly tied to delivering public benefits including affordable housing, artist space, and public room, and that reduced parking is appropriate near light rail.
  • Mary Jane Jagazinski (Senior VP, BRIDGE Housing) spoke in support of item 10A, thanking staff and council for consideration.
  • Noah Rosen (Director of Development, BRIDGE Housing) spoke in support of item 10A, highlighting the project includes 170 affordable homes, preference for artists, 24 units for individuals with developmental disabilities, and a 4,000 sq ft arts space.
  • Alex Zimmerman (Stand Up America) began speaking but was repeatedly warned for not addressing city business; his comments were cut short and he was escorted out.
  • Nagishakaranaboli (Lake Hills resident) spoke against allowing hens and roosters in residential areas, citing noise, pests, disease, and property devaluation.
  • Amina Condell continued the previous topic, proposing a permit and inspection system for fowl, including rooster bans and minimum setback requirements.
  • Julie Cobb (164th Place NE) raised concerns about tree cutting permits being approved too quickly via AI, and about fire safety on dead-end streets with new high-density housing.

Discussion Items

10A: Development Agreement for BelRed Arts Transit Oriented Development with BRIDGE Housing

  • Staff presented the proposed public-private partnership development agreement, seeking council direction to enter negotiations and prepare for a public hearing.
  • The project at 130th Ave NE near the light rail station would deliver 170 affordable homes (all 100% affordable), including 24 units for individuals with developmental disabilities, artist preference, and a 4,000 sq ft arts space.
  • Modifications requested include increased height and floor area ratio, design flexibility for ground-floor activation, reduced commercial parking, and added arts/placemaking uses.
  • Councilmembers expressed strong support, noting the alignment with city goals for affordable housing, family-sized units, transit-oriented development, and support for artists. Questions focused on enforcement mechanisms if benefits are not delivered, and ways to expedite permitting.
  • A motion to direct staff to enter into development agreement negotiations with BRIDGE Housing and prepare the DA for a public hearing passed unanimously.

10B: Utility Connection Charge Improvements

  • Staff and the Environmental Services Commission (Chair Ken Wan) recommended three changes: 1) eliminate direct facility connection charges (DFCC) and recover costs through capital recovery charges (CRC); 2) update water/sewer CRC calculation from single-family equivalent to meter-capacity-based; 3) collect CRC at permit issuance instead of over 10 years via utility bills.
  • The changes aim to improve affordability, transparency, and equity. The DFCC elimination spreads large upfront costs across all new connections (e.g., a single-family home would see ~$200 increase instead of ~$130,000). The meter-based method reduces charges for large multifamily developments (72% lower in example) and is expected to encourage housing development.
  • Councilmembers praised the work, asked about outreach to small businesses and existing accounts, and requested a combined fee impact table.
  • A motion to direct staff to prepare an ordinance implementing the Commission’s recommendations as part of the upcoming biennial budget process passed unanimously.

10C: Update on the Shared Micromobility Program

  • Staff presented the program launch with Lime on August 10, 2026, deploying 500 devices citywide (350 e-scooters, 50 e-bikes, 100 seated scooters/gliders).
  • Parking will be managed through 45 corrals, geofencing (no-ride, low-speed, no-parking, mandatory parking zones), and Lime Vision AI technology on all devices to detect sidewalk riding.
  • Performance will be monitored via a third-party platform (Ride Report) with key performance indicators including parking compliance (85% target within 2-hour response), safety reporting, and trip data.
  • Council discussion focused on safety, helmet use (encouraged, not required), enforcement of KPIs, preferred routes, and accountability for improper parking. Staff committed to a six-month report back.
  • No formal vote was taken; the item was for information and council direction.

Key Outcomes

  • 10A: Unanimous motion (with second) directing staff to enter into development agreement negotiations with BRIDGE Housing and prepare the development agreement for a public hearing at a future meeting.
  • 10B: Unanimous motion to direct staff to prepare an ordinance implementing the Environmental Services Commission’s recommendations to amend Bellevue City Code chapters 24.02, 24.04, and 24.06, with an effective date of January 2027.
  • 10C: Council provided direction; staff will report back after six months on program performance.
  • The meeting was adjourned at approximately 7:30 PM; the council will recess for August.

Meeting Transcript

August 4th meeting of the Bellevue City Council. Good evening and welcome. Thank you for being here and for participating in the work of the city. Before we get to our agenda, I want to start by noting that over the weekend in Spokane, three fires forced 65,000 people to evacuate, and more than 700 homes were destroyed. We are heartbroken for those who have lost so much, many only able to escape with the clothes they wore and whatever was in their car at the time. The scale of loss is immense, and our thoughts are with every Washingtonian facing the trauma and displacement and uncertainty. That said, no lives were lost, and that is a testament to emergency responders and protocols for evacuation. And in the face of this tragedy, I think we are all inspired by the resilience and compassion that define communities in our state. We have seen neighbors, first responders, and volunteers come together to offer shelter, food, and more. If there is one other thing we should take we should all take away today, remember that we are still early in the summer and conditions are likely to get worse. Please be vigilant and very careful with any spark or flame and follow the statewide burn ban in effect. We are witnessing the incredible scale of damage and destruction that can be caused by these fires. You are a part of protecting our communities, be safe and smart. Thank you. Additionally, as you can see, we are missing some folks on the dais this evening. The mayor is unable to join us in person. However, we can see that he is here with us online, and I'll be chairing this evening's meeting, given that he is remote. Finally, Councilmember Bargova will not be in attendance at tonight's meeting, and I'd ask if there's a motion to excuse him. So move. Second. Any discussion? All those in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Okay. The motion carries. Thank you. Okay. Um moving on. Uh City Clerk, if you would call the role. Thank you. Thank you. Mayor Melakutian. Deputy Mayor Hamilton. Here. Councilmember Breyer. Here. Councilmember New in House. Councilmember Robinson. Here. Councilmember Simadoria. Here. Thank you. Okay. Councilmember Robinson, would you lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance, please? Yes. Please stand if you're able. Pledge allegiance. Of the United States of America. And to the Republic for religious states.

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