Contentious Budget Vote
In late December, the Clyde Hill City Council voted on the budget, passing it narrowly with a 3-2 margin. Councilmembers Hachamovitch and Slivka dissented, advocating for reducing city staff, while others suggested a gradual approach to deficit reduction. The City maintains balances over $11 million, generating approximately 4% in interest, which could equate to over $400,000 in revenue in 2025. The deficit may fluctuate throughout the year due to variations in revenue and expenses.
Hachamovitch Assumes Mayor Pro Tem Role
Following former Councilmember Muromoto’s resignation, Councilmember Hachamovitch assumed the role of mayor pro tem, skipping a procedural vote. He will assume the role of mayor, in Mayor Friedman’s absence or if he is unable or unwilling to serve.
Planning Commission Appointees Approved
The council approved the appointment of four volunteers to the Planning Commission with a 3-0 vote. Councilmembers Slivka and Hachamovitch abstained.
Brad Adonian Nominated to Fill Vacant Council Seat
Brad Andonian has been nominated to fill a vacant council seat in Clyde Hill. Three applicants applied for the position, and Brad, who had previously run for mayor as a write-in, emerged as the nominee.
Meeting Rescheduled
The regularly scheduled City Council meeting has been moved to 5 PM this Monday, February 10th. The reason for rescheduling from the usual second Tuesday of each month, and the lack of notification to residents, is unknown. This failure to adequately inform the community about the updated date and time restricts their ability to engage and participate.
Upcoming Council Meeting Topics
- Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers: Despite claims that a City resident survey supported banning gas-powered leaf blowers, a separate survey by the Coalition indicated that a majority favored retaining them. Battery-powered blowers produce slightly less noise can be less powerful and pose environmental concerns due to battery disposal. Additionally, longer operating times for battery-powered leaf blowers may lead to extended noise pollution and increased landscaping costs.
- Budget Priorities Statement: Councilmembers Slivka and Hachamovitch issued a statement outlining budget priorities for first responders and land use regulation compliance.
- 2024 Comprehensive Plan Update: The Comprehensive Plan is a state-mandated strategic document that outlines the city’s key priorities for the next decade. It serves as a roadmap, focusing on critical areas such as safety, land use regulations, and other essential community priorities. By providing a clear direction, the plan aims to guide the city’s development and ensure the well-being of its residents. Ordinance No. 1016 seeks to approve the 2024 Comprehensive Plan Update, which has undergone extensive review and revisions. The updated plan includes revisions across eight chapters and appendices and will be discussed this Monday (see the agenda packet).
- Land Use Code Updates: The council’s priorities for land use code updates include compliance with state law, safety measures, and addressing concerns from residents and staff. Key aspects include compliance with state legislation of middle housing and ADUs (e.g., HB1110, HB1337), improving intersection safety, and clarifying the hedge code for better public understanding and enforcement.
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