Dena Burke

The Public Safety Committee meeting addressed the approval of the agenda, noting that the minutes from the previous meeting were unavailable for review. A primary discussion centered on Agenda Bill 26-004 regarding an ordinance to add Chapter 10.13 concerning automated traffic safety cameras to the Municipal Code. Council members expressed significant concerns regarding revenue dependency, the delegation of enforcement to for-profit entities, and long-term implications. Commitments were made by the Mayor to ensure enforcement levels are determined solely by enforcement needs, not cost recovery, and that specific language addressing Council approval over enforcement levels would be provided to address these concerns. The discussion also covered data security, confirmation that only city officers can issue citations, and the specific focus of the cameras on school zones. A subsequent agenda item included an update on Crisis Intervention Training for police officers, noting required annual training hours.

The meeting commenced with the presentation of the Washington State Auditor's Office regarding the city's exit conference for the Fiscal Year 2024 audit. Key discussion points included the results of the accountability audit, financial statements audit, and compliance report for the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund program requirements for the period January 1, 2024, through December 31, 2024. The auditors noted that the city complied in all material respects with applicable laws and provided adequate controls, issuing an unmodified opinion on the financial statements and identifying no material weaknesses in internal controls. A discussion occurred regarding adding an item to the agenda concerning Resolution 1542, specifically rules five, six, and seven pertaining to council reports and committee chairperson responsibilities. The agenda was amended to include a service recognition item after the State Auditor's presentation. The auditors also informed the council about an uncorrected misstatement related to the compensated absences liability valuation, which they deemed not material, expecting correction in the following audit. The importance of the $1 million federal funding threshold triggering a single audit for the next fiscal year was highlighted.

The Finance and Administration Committee meeting included handling agenda approval and public comments, both of which saw no participants. Key discussions focused on citizen feedback regarding immigration enforcement. The committee reviewed a tracker of requests, noting that while the administration has issued reassuring statements, there is uncertainty regarding the scope and resources required for further proactive community engagement, such as creating an FAQ. The committee ultimately agreed that current public statements regarding public safety and not inquiring about immigration status were sufficient for now, deferring further action on proactive outreach. The committee also discussed coordination with schools and youth-serving partners, specifically concerning existing interfaces like the School Resource Officer (SRO). There was a request to gain awareness of the school district's policies on the subject matter to ensure alignment with police guidance, though the committee was cautious about assessing the district's policies directly.

The meeting began with roll call and the approval of an excused absence for Council member Holloway. The agenda was approved following a motion and second. A public comment period was held, followed by the approval of the consent agenda, which included the minutes from the February 9th, 2026 meeting and the claims report dated February 23rd, 2026, alongside a resolution authorizing the mayor to sign a fourth amendment to an agreement with Madrona Law Group, PLLC. The main discussion centered on Ordinance 1315, pertaining to adding chapter 10.13 regarding automated traffic safety cameras to the Municipal Code. The Interim Police Chief presented data detailing significant speed concerns and traffic infraction levels in school zones, supported by a recent 3-day speed study conducted in September 2025. The discussion explored the implementation of non-ALPR camera systems for safety enforcement, noting that the city intends to review multiple vendor options if the ordinance is passed, adhering to non-lowest bid selection discretion. Public comment included feedback from a resident and school bus driver arguing against the cameras, suggesting alternative traffic engineering solutions like adjusting light signals, while Council members expressed concerns regarding the monitoring company's vested interest and sought clarification on data handling procedures.

The meeting included administrative discussions regarding the agenda amendment process and excusing a committee member. Key topics revolved around the King Street and Snoqualmie Parkway railroad crossing improvements project. The discussion highlighted the need to improve safety due to past incidents involving vehicles striking signals, upgrading aging components, and installing modern train detection systems with predictors to manage congestion when trains stop. The project is approaching 90% design, funded primarily by a $2 million grant, with construction targeted between May and August 2026. The work requires temporary, full closures at both the King Street and Snoqualmie Parkway crossings.