Linda Abe

The meeting commenced with roll call and the flag salute, followed by the presentation of a proclamation recognizing human rights in Iran and condemning violence against peaceful protesters. Public comment focused heavily on the proposed HOMA framework, with differing viewpoints presented. One speaker strongly supported HOMA but requested modifications to the Grocery F bonus (suggesting a 3.5:1 to 5:1 incentive ratio) and the MFTTE supercharger, arguing that affordable units should count toward the MFTTE threshold for feasibility across market cycles, but opposing the MFTTE supercharger in HOMA areas other than Wilbertton. Another speaker representing Old Bellevue property owners requested that the Old Bellevue area be removed from HOMA entirely, arguing that incentives like stepback elimination would negatively affect the area's character, and suggested conducting a separate review of design guidelines for small sites. A third speaker advocated for funding the Orchard Gardens Affordable Home Ownership Project by Habitat for Humanity, emphasizing how stable housing enables community service workers to better serve the community.

This document outlines the Great Neighborhoods program, a community-driven initiative by the City of Belle to develop a plan for the Eastgate neighborhood. The plan aims to strengthen Eastgate's identity and guide future improvements, incorporating community feedback. It focuses on addressing challenges like traffic congestion and public safety, while building upon existing positive qualities such as natural beauty, diversity, and economic opportunity. Key policy areas include neighborhood identity, mixed-use development and neighborhood centers, community gathering spaces, mobility and access, and environmental stewardship, all intended to shape the future growth of the Eastgate neighborhood.

The document explains the City of Belleview's strategic planning and funding process for transportation infrastructure. It details how foundational policy documents, such as the comprehensive plan, inform subsequent plans like the Mobility Implementation Plan (MIP) and Transportation Facilities Plan (TFP). The Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), a six-year funding mechanism, is highlighted for supporting project implementation, including design, acquisition, construction, and programs focused on safety, capacity, active transportation, and maintenance, all driven by community input and council vision.

The meeting commenced with roll call and a flag salute, followed by the election of a new mayor and deputy mayor for a two-year term, conducted via written ballot. Following the transition of leadership, the council acknowledged the outgoing mayor and welcomed a new council member. Public oral communications featured residents speaking on topics including good government through unity, the importance of community acceptance for residents of Plymouth Crossing, and support for the Eastgate campus, emphasizing science-based practices and the cost-effectiveness of permanent supportive housing versus incarceration or hospitalization. The City Manager then presented a report on the 2026 Art Grant Allocations, noting that the program aims to expand arts funding in line with council priorities, with recommended funding levels increased to $3,000, $5,000, and $7,000 for project grants.

The meeting included procedural actions such as the approval of the agenda. A significant portion of the session was dedicated to proclamations. The first proclamation recognized Lunar New Year, celebrating the year of the horse and the contributions of the Asian-American community, with representatives from local cultural organizations providing remarks. The second proclamation designated February 19th, 2026, as the Day of Action and Remembrance for Japanese American incarcerated during World War II, featuring testimony emphasizing the importance of remembering historical injustices, the dangers of fear-based rhetoric, and the need to protect civil liberties. Public comments focused on supporting equity tools, specifically the culturally and linguistically specific priority category within the Diversity Advantage Plan, urging the council to maintain measurable standards for service delivery, and addressing concerns about federal intimidation tactics impacting immigrant communities.