North Bend City Council Meeting – September 1, 2026

The City Council met on September 1, 2026, at 7:00 PM in City Hall. The meeting included a closed session for collective bargaining, approval of consent agenda, public comments, presentations, proclamations, and two action items. The meeting adjourned at 8:43 PM. All votes were unanimous (7-0) except where noted.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes: Approved minutes from the August 18, 2026 City Council meeting.
• Payroll: Approved payroll for August 20, 2026 (checks 79341–79345) in the amount of $315,529.75.
• Checks: Approved checks for September 1, 2026 (checks 79337–79340 and 79346–79392) in the amount of $3,596,980.99.
• AB26-072: Resolution 2192 accepting Tanner Electric Substation & Storage Yard Infrastructure Improvements.
• AB26-073: Resolution 2193 accepting Milam Sewer Main Extension Infrastructure Improvements.
• AB26-074: Motion authorizing PSE Schedule 51 lighting contract for the North Bend Way/NW 8th Street Roundabout Project.
• AB26-075: Resolution 2194 awarding the Ribary Creek Sediment Pond Maintenance Project to Fury Site Works.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Elizabeth Davis (North Bend resident): Announced a Friends of the North Bend Library book sale starting September 16, 2026, and requested donations of Christmas decorations for an upcoming sale.
• Jane Danforth Koser (North Bend resident): Invited the community to the Snoqualmie Valley Museum’s Silent Auction Fundraising Event on September 26, 2026, 5–9 PM at the Snoqualmie Inn. Stated the museum is accepting donations and noted a matching pledge of several thousand dollars.
• Helen Lauer (Snoqualmie resident, Snoqualmie Valley for Responsible Energy): Provided an update on the proposed 780 megawatt lithium-ion Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) by BlackRock/Puget Sound Energy. Noted that part of the project lies within Snoqualmie city limits, and BlackRock plans to seek approval from the Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council (EFSEC). Urged that North Bend should have a voting council member on EFSEC, as the project impacts North Bend. Mentioned SVR's discovery that BlackRock may include solar panels, which she criticized as unsuitable for the region based on Seattle Times reporting.
• Ryan Makinster (Master Builders Association of King & Snohomish Counties): Spoke in support of the proposed lot splitting and unit lot subdivision ordinance (AB26-076, later moved to a work study). Emphasized that the ordinance does not change density caps, only the approval process, and could reduce costs and staff workload.

Discussion Items

• Presentation – Encompass: Executive Director Nela Cumming provided an overview of Encompass's 60-year history, programs (early learning, pediatric therapy, Parent Child Plus, ECAP), and impact. Key statistics: In fiscal year 2025–2026, Encompass served 2,741 individuals with 43,259 sessions; 775 North Bend zip code residents received 13,492 sessions (31% of total clients). Highlighted the new "Glow & Grow" therapeutic summer groups, which served 61 children with high parent satisfaction. Cumming noted funding challenges due to underfunded government contracts and low Medicaid rates, and asked for city advocacy for better rates. Councilmember McFarland asked about preschool capacity; Cumming stated 55 ECAP slots are appropriate for the community. The presentation was well-received.
• Proclamation – Suicide Prevention Month: Mayor Miller read a proclamation declaring September 2026 as Suicide Prevention Month. Helene Wentink (Empower Youth Network) accepted and shared data: 59.75% of local 8th graders reported receiving suicide prevention information at school vs. 38% statewide; 10th graders saw a 7.6% decrease in serious thoughts of suicide; 2,700 middle school students were trained in peer-to-peer prevention last year. She also promoted free youth mental health first aid training on October 10.
• Proclamation – Hunger Action Month: Mayor Miller read a proclamation declaring September 2026 as Hunger Action Month. Calib Miller (Snoqualmie Valley Food Bank) accepted, noting a 21% increase in food insecurity over the past year and 50 new households signed up in August alone. He emphasized the collaborative network of human service providers.
• AB26-077 – Contract Amendment with Peach Global Solutions: Community & Economic Development Director James Henderson presented a $18,000 (12-month, $1,500/month) amendment for digital maintenance and content updates to the Adventure North Bend economic development website. The amendment includes adding pages for Project Belay, Cascade Gateway, and light industrial properties, plus website tracking metrics. Henderson stated the goal is to attract businesses through a LinkedIn campaign. Council debated whether to wait for a future economic development manager, but supported moving forward. Motion passed 7-0.
• AB26-078 – Contract with Creative Financial Staffing: Deputy Finance Director Elaine Morse presented a $47,424 contract to backfill a staff accountant on FMLA leave for 12–16 weeks. The net effective cost after FMLA payments is $19,059 to $21,460. Councilmember Koellen questioned alternatives; Morse explained the need for a full-time person due to payroll and accounts payable cycles. Motion passed 7-0.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously (7-0).
• AB26-077: Approved (7-0) to authorize the Mayor to execute a contract amendment with Peach Global Solutions not to exceed $18,000.
• AB26-078: Approved (7-0) to authorize a professional services agreement with Creative Financial Staffing, LLC not to exceed $47,424.
• AB26-076 (Lot Splitting Ordinance): Remanded to September 22, 2026 work study per Councilmember Tremolada's request; no action taken.
• Closed Session: Held from 7:02 PM to 7:26 PM under RCW 42.30.140(4)(b) for collective bargaining strategy; no action taken.
• Mayor’s Announcements: Stage 2 water conservation ordinance effective August 31; blood drive at City Hall on September 8 (9 AM–3 PM); Meet up with the Mayor on September 8 (10 AM at Huxdotter); yard waste recycling on September 12 (8 AM–Noon at Public Works).
• Council Concerns: Members expressed gratitude for nonprofits, promoted water conservation, urged traffic safety (noting a recent accident at Cedar Falls Way and Maloney Grove Ave.), and encouraged mental health check-ins.