North Bend City Council Meeting Summary - August 4, 2026

The North Bend City Council held its regular meeting on August 4, 2026, at 7:00 PM at City Hall. The meeting covered routine consent agenda items, public comments, a youth appointment to the Parks Commission, and councilmember discussions on wildfire preparedness, air quality, and community events. All votes were unanimous (6-0) with Councilmember Jocelyn excused.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes of July 21, 2026 City Council meeting.
• Approved payroll for July 20, 2026 (checks 79215-79218) in the amount of $395,033.72.
• Approved checks for August 4, 2026 (checks 79219-79267) in the amount of $602,859.90.
• Approved AB26-063 – Ordinance 1859 authorizing franchise agreement with Comcast.
• Approved AB26-064 – Ordinance 1860 authorizing franchise agreement with Level 3 Communications.
• Approved AB26-065 – Motion authorizing Schedule 51 lighting removal agreement with PSE for the North Bend Way/NW 8th Street roundabout project.
• Approved AB26-066 – Motion authorizing 1st amendment to FCS Group/Bowman contract for non-residential impact fee update.
• Approved AB26-067 – Motion authorizing 2026 blanket purchase orders.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Jacqueline Goodbar, representing the North Bend Downtown Foundation, reported on the July 4th parade (over 1,000 participants and spectators) and block party (approximately 3,000 attendees). She announced upcoming events: a cleanup on August 11th at 4 PM at the Train Depot, a Sunflower Festival (August 15 – September 15), and a disc golf fundraiser on September 27th at South Fork Landing.
• Sandy Knauft, a North Bend resident, shared a personal experience during the Spokane Old Trails Fire where her disabled sister, who has a deep brain stimulation device, was evacuated without her critical charger due to communication gaps. She urged the city to incorporate specific medical needs and a clear communication triage into its emergency response plan.

Discussion Items

• Youth Appointment to Parks Commission (AB26-068): Mayor Miller recommended the reappointment of Eyleen Eusebio to Youth Member Position No. 5. Eusebio has served since September 2025 and expressed enthusiasm to continue. Councilmembers praised her service and the importance of youth voices. Eusebio noted the value of walkable, open spaces and improved lighting for safety, particularly for younger residents. The motion to approve passed 6-0.
• Councilmember and Administrator Concerns:
  • Councilmember McFarland encouraged attendance at the Festival at Mt Si (August 7-9) and shared verses from the Youngbloods' song “Get Together” urging collaboration and effective use of taxpayer dollars.
  • Councilmember Elwood thanked Eusebio, noted deteriorating air quality from wildfires, and directed residents to the city website for safety tips.
  • Councilmember Koellen expressed concern over Spokane fires and thanked staff for emergency preparedness.
  • Councilmember Rustik reminded residents of the King County Wildfire Ready Toolkit available online and at City Hall.
  • Councilmember Tremolada echoed air quality concerns, emphasized neighborly preparedness, and noted an upcoming 14-day public comment period on the proposed Cascadia Ridge Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) facility, hosted by Snoqualmie Valley for Responsible Energy.
  • City Administrator Emery thanked Knauft for her input on vulnerable populations, noted ongoing air quality updates on city social media, and committed to reviewing emergency response plan adjustments.
  • Mayor Miller highlighted Election Day (ballot drop box at North Bend Library), a “Chat with Mayor & Chief Hall” on August 6th at the SnoValley Chamber office, the Festival at Mt Si, the Human & Community Services Grant application deadline (September 14), and the ongoing Spokane wildfires.

Key Outcomes

• Approved the August 4, 2026 agenda (motion 6-0).
• Approved the consent agenda en bloc (motion 6-0).
• Approved AB26-068, confirming the reappointment of Eyleen Eusebio as Youth Member No. 5 on the Parks Commission, term expiring August 31, 2027 (motion 6-0).
• Adjourned at 7:31 PM (motion 6-0).
• City staff will consider Sandy Knauft's recommendations regarding medical-specific communication in the emergency response plan.