[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6166654,"mediaKeyId","5415171-cfbea5a4043f552c98784f923154c85e","parentId",5415171,"title","Council approves scope to bundle permanent housing and permitting code updates into omnibus ordinance","audioSeconds",652,"startMs",3987000,"endMs",4639000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5415171-cfbea5a4043f552c98784f923154c85e&start=3987&end=4639","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5415171-cfbea5a4043f552c98784f923154c85e/thumbnail_3987000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6166654/Mercer-Island/King-County/Washington/Council-approves-scope-to-bundle-permanent-housing-and-permitting-code-updates-into-omnibus-ordinance","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6166654-2804ad1056dbb2b22ba9c493b763cb54/orig.mp4?Expires=1770979261&Signature=a-XmA2XOaH6WJ3IQubTbRxcGaS0S7Qe5wdaexPvSSkSzEkHLjFcPWzmY2M-gun-dJxQPW~JYWlKkAumPqHGMQfFdM07fcwxhKDI0e1dY~NFb2nsUJiBcO~PuHM~nsIXVR-BCBx8D97fzpZn84igcor3k4Kycl8tQw1cYyW6VYlUOERho7T7EfLvp9ONIV8TZRaZnxkPPtu72ZxWp5TniCZVOY0uXPf1lu9Xb2j-GDeVXlU2GM-2lG5HXXG7-vm8O-Dzv-CqBFiNb0e2ldvsTrE2YSGCEVfOyXgchH6mKbymq5OoOCetsrQsNb0aSq3csLyvjRSBM~d3-SwwD3C-OYA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Mercer Island, Washington","date","2025-07-18T03:09:08.227Z","article","Mercer Island City Council on July 15 approved a scope of work to prepare a single omnibus ordinance that will adopt permanent code changes on several state-driven development topics and directed the Planning Commission to begin an accelerated review schedule.

Community Planning & Development Director Jeff Thomas and planner Adam Zach described the package as a coordinated response to multiple legislative mandates and interim ordinances. The omnibus ordinance will address seven topic groups in one legislative package: House Bill 1220 (emergency and supportive housing), House Bill 6015 (residential parking requirements), House Bill 1293 (clear and objective design standards), Senate Bill 5290 (permit review timelines), House Bill 1998 (co-living housing), code updates to reflect the dissolution of the city’s former design commission, and comprehensive-plan implementation items including town-center height and affordability adjustments.

Zach said the omnibus approach will allow staff and the Planning Commission to examine overlapping code changes holistically rather than renewing multiple interim ordinances on six-month cycles. The council directed the Planning Commission to receive up to five work sessions, review a code amendment package released for 30-day public comment in August, hold a planning commission public hearing on Sept. 24 and aim to deliver a recommendation to council by Nov. 4. The schedule envisions a second reading before council on Nov. 18 and an effective date of Dec. 31, 2025.

Deputy Mayor Rosenbaum expressed support for a timely but thorough review and asked staff to emphasize the compressed schedule to the Planning Commission. Councilmember Craig Reynolds thanked staff for the approach, noting that interim ordinances have been a bottleneck and praising the plan to clear multiple interim items at once. Councilmember Weicker asked about public outreach; staff said the primary engagement channel will be the city’s “Let’s Talk” page and the public will have multiple opportunities to comment at Planning Commission and council meetings.

Councilmember Mike Weinberg moved and Councilmember Reynolds seconded approval of the scope of work and the directive to the Planning Commission. The motion passed unanimously on roll call.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","07/15/2025 - Mercer Island - City Council Regular Hybrid Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Council approved scope and timetable for an omnibus ordinance to adopt permanent regulations covering multiple state-mandated housing and permit topics, directing the Planning Commission to begin review with an accelerated schedule.","taxTitle","Mercer Island, King County, Washington","taxId",70518,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6166659,"Council agrees to renew interim regulations on shelters and supportive housing as state law changes are implemented",232,3778000,4010000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5415171-cfbea5a4043f552c98784f923154c85e&start=3778&end=4010","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5415171-cfbea5a4043f552c98784f923154c85e/thumbnail_3778000.jpg","/articles/6166659/Mercer-Island/King-County/Washington/Council-agrees-to-renew-interim-regulations-on-shelters-and-supportive-housing-as-state-law-changes-are-implemented","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6166659-dc2b69f508b5c1fbe351cc4b8367c1ab/orig.mp4?Expires=1770979261&Signature=kFNF0SeA9Copd8c8pSjKbMfokvArOi~gs4gGHezI~nzM9IWeNSj6Cq-sfCKiUj4~4W0i-6T0JQ2Ru2auX5Qan7I~DCyDh0-EFuixvvcWRfEl7H6P3kt~WurX66nqJjHeb1fB76DRP54gcHYQ1lO1v6IvC1pKwO7T0--fal9zIp5xDYVarnxzJggzRgMY0eMDM8azWoxP-riixDE51830yG4TGOvA1DaPvMrT01wOKLuh2xF6xqlBvQyMISgYZHrvfwUgs1DAO1vsU2bt0No8rfQdiOriRIUGiQi8GVIzHnnea16jpPGlv16Zh4XP9imdSxR5iYIxBnehgcpYYUEOqg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Mercer Island City Council voted on July 15 to continue moving forward with a renewal of interim land-use regulations addressing emergency shelters, transitional housing and permanent supportive housing while staff completes permanent code amendments to align with state law.

Molly (staff presenter) and Director Jeff Thomas reviewed background on House Bill 1220, which requires cities to allow transitional, supportive and permanent supportive housing and indoor emergency shelters in all residential zones and in zones where hotels are allowed. Molly said interim regulations first adopted in 2022 were renewed several times, lapsed in 2024 and were reinstated and renewed in March 2025; they are set to expire again in October unless renewed.

She said the law also requires that local spacing and intensity rules be reasonable and not used to prevent siting of needed housing units, and that Commerce guidance (the “STEP Housing guidance” referenced by staff) addresses spacing and other compliance issues. Staff recommended renewing the interim regulations without change so there would be rules in place while permanent regulations are drafted.

Council voted to schedule Ordinance No. 25-15 for a second reading on Sept. 2, 2025, to continue the interim regulations. Jeff Thomas said the renewal will serve as a bridge while permanent code amendments are developed as part of the city’s larger code-update work.

No members of the public had signed up to speak during the public hearing on this item earlier in the meeting; the council closed the public hearing before the discussion.","Council moved to renew interim regulations to comply with House Bill 1220 and scheduled a second reading to extend interim rules while permanent regulations are developed.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6166664,"Council places $103.16 million public safety and maintenance bond on November ballot, appoints pro and con committee members",421,3162000,3583000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5415171-cfbea5a4043f552c98784f923154c85e&start=3162&end=3583","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5415171-cfbea5a4043f552c98784f923154c85e/thumbnail_3162000.jpg","/articles/6166664/Mercer-Island/King-County/Washington/Council-places-10316-million-public-safety-and-maintenance-bond-on-November-ballot-appoints-pro-and-con-committee-members","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6166664-9b0775c34f2aad00aac2d9df7825f9e6/orig.mp4?Expires=1770979261&Signature=nOUN1lf5grzzr2uHI2eFQOJbAmrY~vM4k7iW7hv5DleicgNwpffABRfnh700g0ZNO-EY6qSMHsNkJG~ZkQIRJ4uRFfmBS0jfr3M72EfOHE9sD3KhQDOZc46TLlqDeJox5g7ss0UD-4lYEY-oxu8ajpq7uJo4muwya46oiWoHAqqun3bR56jbCjPAyeKJlCLWMVyxP~yNjJe9nUVFGTNr2bMsX4gX0fRJ3-6E6rbWFzqTco-P5goAYw5tXN~eB3uACF95APWtGEf3A847sSGrAlZGKSc9~g4CqVipBWpfU5IRo4hg0AVa2zInGYOhZSICueXI~~jNIPzo0HWDhip2Og__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Mercer Island City Council on July 15 adopted Ordinance No. 25-13 to place a public safety and maintenance facility bond measure on the Nov. 4, 2025 ballot and approved appointment of pro and con committee representatives.

Management analyst Robbie Cunningham Adams and Finance Director Matt Morgan briefed the council on ordinance language refined by an ad hoc working group of Mayor Salim Nies, Deputy Mayor Rosenbaum and Councilmember Craig Reynolds. The ordinance establishes a maximum principal amount of $103,160,000 and a 25-year repayment schedule for the proposed bonds. Staff provided an illustrative example using a 4.5 percent interest assumption that estimated the total annual debt service would be just above $7,000,000 under the example.

Councilmember Mike Weinberg moved and Councilmember Reynolds seconded adoption of Ordinance No. 25-13. The motion passed on a unanimous roll call.

After placing the proposition on the ballot, council approved Resolution No. 1671 to appoint committee members for the ballot measure’s formal pro and con committees. The pro committee appointees are Robert Sulkin, Benson Wong and Russell Fetterman; the lone con committee appointee is Mike Siro. Councilmember Reynolds moved the appointments; the motion passed unanimously.

City Manager Jesse Bond said staff and counsel will submit the final explanatory statement and ballot language to King County; staff noted county clerks may require minor editorial changes. The council gave city staff and the city attorney authority to make any necessary ministerial revisions to meet county deadlines.

Council discussion included procedural thanks to staff for project development; no change to project scope was made at the meeting. The ordinance authorizes staff to proceed with the process to place the measure on the ballot and to distribute the council-approved explanatory language for the voter pamphlet.","Council adopted an ordinance to place a $103.16 million public safety and maintenance facility bond measure on the Nov. 4 ballot, approved 25-year repayment limits and appointed members to the pro and con committees.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6166668,"Council approves funding appropriation for eminent domain purchase of adjacent commercial building",401,2689000,3090000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5415171-cfbea5a4043f552c98784f923154c85e&start=2689&end=3090","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5415171-cfbea5a4043f552c98784f923154c85e/thumbnail_2689000.jpg","/articles/6166668/Mercer-Island/King-County/Washington/Council-approves-funding-appropriation-for-eminent-domain-purchase-of-adjacent-commercial-building","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6166668-197c03c8899f0d4161c8c645c05bd95a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770979261&Signature=gzhVD3qTwVHmvnn8Ko4j3qEyjjS1YpcBwTNu9xvoV2BDqPbFzsufg8AB9fIQEOODHgLNXMNBNiwlIGq3XeyTUBJnvxYMsT9rne1hll9DuvOQvMSZWbZIdm81npdLD1IPVVlGCY9oCI2B2aEHeHz-OkYUH20YAQmnktoj9XS07H8R0J2PPyRuKalSiyoGEuWmjlIGsUKA5HHU2hndwuFtc4gCT8Ncgb2yjdLvXaNAhKWKsSGciqy5-1cQzfaGmJNQ5NIaErUpw4O04EYW93aw3OS6vx0qm8RUJIpwNzuh2BXD8jp4IcvwSSgTdDHe2LH5xLWb5pf3t-BuSts-QhLb8w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Mercer Island City Council on July 15 voted to appropriate the budgeted funding needed to complete acquisition of a commercial property identified for municipal use and scheduled a second reading of a financing ordinance for autumn.

Finance Director Matt Morgan told the council staff had authority from a June 17 action to acquire the commercial building at 9655 Southeast 30th Street by eminent domain and that the estimated purchase and closing costs total $9,080,000. “Once we include the cost to finalize the purchase, including title insurance, transferring the title and escrow fee, the total cost to the city is estimated to be $9,080,000,” Morgan said. City materials described the property as adjacent to City Hall and intended to house community planning and development, public works administration, engineering teams and youth and family services.

Council approved a schedule for a second reading and adoption of Ordinance No. 25-21, which would authorize staff to issue limited tax general obligation (LTGO) bonds; staff said they plan to pursue $1,600,000 in outside financing to help fund the purchase. The ordinance limits LTGO terms to a maximum of 20 years and sets a true interest cost cap of 6.25 percent as an upper bound for planning; staff said current market rates were roughly 4.5–5.55 percent.

Council then approved by roll call a motion to appropriate the following available budget resources to the municipal facility replacement fund for acquisition by eminent domain: $3,302,358 from general fund unassigned fund balance; $3,360,000 from the municipal facility replacement fund; $1,670,752 from the capital improvement fund unassigned balance; and $744,082 from the Town Center parking facilities fund — a combined total of $9,080,000. The motion carried on unanimous voice roll calls.

Councilmember Craig Reynolds asked whether closing costs that vary from the estimate would require a return to council for further appropriation; outside counsel advised the council an additional appropriation would be required if costs exceeded the appropriation. Morgan said the non-financing closing costs were effectively fixed at that point.

Staff indicated funds will be deposited into escrow as required by eminent domain process and estimated city possession of the building in fall 2025. Ordinance No. 25-21 was scheduled for second reading on Sept. 2; the appropriation motion passed at the July 15 meeting.","City council authorized source funding and scheduled final ordinance for financing to complete an eminent domain acquisition of a commercial building adjacent to City Hall, approving a $9.08 million cost estimate and related appropriations.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6166673,"Outside counsel briefs Mercer Island council on campaign use of public resources and social media rules",1194,153000,1347000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5415171-cfbea5a4043f552c98784f923154c85e&start=153&end=1347","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5415171-cfbea5a4043f552c98784f923154c85e/thumbnail_153000.jpg","/articles/6166673/Mercer-Island/King-County/Washington/Outside-counsel-briefs-Mercer-Island-council-on-campaign-use-of-public-resources-and-social-media-rules","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6166673-98d53ed16e134e804ce2652174b37ca4/orig.mp4?Expires=1770979261&Signature=ZkAXDwbbI6giMUgtiTYnW-gX5--ufjCzPI-EiVifsfePj2TL1Nek-ovI0VCk6dbZloIKzCjazhHvGgysEvB9boj-hLb2yl4mczIarRyy29q8fGXwM4nKAKbwUilEctfNm5qg-ceIpNyb4DS6LVSvsBbX3RXFeJh1N3kWU6dz6fBSWiw9Bh1snvKasP7cKDfy5OV4L9Q9VZ-dj5glY3d2NFjPebwtlqb7dHlMSy2tAfH6ir4euTFmoPDT0nvs7LdYsBM5z6R2Tn0oUYPgoWDiGOT7czvScvnzw5kCJ3sPRC4bXfpvXPBXc1zt2Ko2gQI2Ls2Gtja1--WbSTYpBEKo0g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Ann Marie Soto, outside counsel from Madrona Law, told Mercer Island City Council on July 15 that state law generally bars elected officials and employees from using public office, facilities or resources to assist election campaigns, but outlined narrow exceptions and practical steps elected officials should follow.

Soto said the primary statutory authority for the rules is RCW 42.17A.555 and that additional guidance comes from the Washington Administrative Code and the Public Disclosure Commission. “Anything that essentially the city pays for — agency letterhead, postage, computers, office space, meeting space — those are things that are not allowed to be used for campaign purposes,” Soto said.

The briefing explained why public comment at a council meeting is not an appropriate forum for campaign advocacy: using city hall or council meetings to promote or oppose candidates or ballot measures would constitute use of a public facility for campaign purposes and is therefore prohibited. Soto described limited exceptions: the elected legislative body may take a formal position on a ballot measure if done in open meeting with notice that includes the proposition title and number, and the council must afford equal opportunity for supporters and opponents to speak.

Soto also reviewed permitted personal activities by elected officials. “You can use your personal social media accounts to post information about a campaign,” she said, “but so long as you are making it clear that these are your personal views and that you are not speaking on behalf of the city.” She said officials may identify their office when endorsing a candidate or ballot measure but should make clear the statement reflects their personal view.

Council members asked several practical questions. Councilmember Craig Reynolds asked how to distinguish a personal account from an official account; Soto replied it is fact-specific and recommended clearly stating on the profile that the account expresses personal views. Reynolds also asked about replying from a personal email to a message that was originally sent to a city (.gov) account; Soto said she had not seen a controlling PDC interpretation and that the safest practice is to start a new thread from a personal account rather than reply directly to the .gov message.

Soto warned council members not to use city resources — including agency-wide calendars — to promote campaigns or to post signs advocating for or against candidates on city property. She reminded members that press conferences or responses to specific inquiries are among limited channels where an official may state support or opposition to a ballot proposition, and that any informational materials produced by the city must be factual, neutral and part of the agency’s routine, lawful practice.

Deputy Mayor Rosenbaum and Councilmember Weicker thanked Soto for the presentation. The briefing was given as part of a study session; council did not take any legislative action on the presentation itself.

The presentation materials referenced RCW 42.17A.555, WAC guidance, and a Public Disclosure Commission interpretation used in the briefing; Soto encouraged council members to contact staff or the PDC for further clarifications during the election season.","City council received a legal briefing on state restrictions for elected officials’ use of public office, facilities and resources during campaigns, including guidance on social media, public comment and exceptions for ballot measures.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council approves scope to bundle permanent housing and permitting code updates into omnibus ordinance

Council agrees to renew interim regulations on shelters and supportive housing as state law changes are implemented

Council places $103.16 million public safety and maintenance bond on November ballot, appoints pro and con committee members

Council approves funding appropriation for eminent domain purchase of adjacent commercial building

Outside counsel briefs Mercer Island council on campaign use of public resources and social media rules