[{"_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",6297759,"mediaKeyId","2507410-89c0c85926a5420de95ad00a00927752","parentId",2507410,"title","Council reviews schematic design for public safety and maintenance facility; staff to return with siting analysis and procurement recommendation","audioSeconds",6788,"startMs",3104000,"endMs",9892000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2507410-89c0c85926a5420de95ad00a00927752&start=3104&end=9892","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2507410-89c0c85926a5420de95ad00a00927752/thumbnail_3104000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6297759/Mercer-Island/King-County/Washington/Council-reviews-schematic-design-for-public-safety-and-maintenance-facility-staff-to-return-with-siting-analysis-and-procurement-recommendation","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6297759-6751a204e0bedb0a7de2db912cee0788/orig.mp4?Expires=1771191104&Signature=is4QxKQqnd2ky4XY~dpf4xrJvJTbn~A9evhvWvdMyOw0nJcOop3mKJFTf3Yy3ovnynddSSFY7a8~GvAw~0qLjO~7vV~w7mEnpaQdnLC9ePdKb1kGPkkbofMXgKwJRP7kL47jSLzMPqtspBSV4J9Yuwz3x3omcu~37LttJillzL7hfVBnbEAAgk8Oj4bLIQypo5qXui0c2zK3Uz7sc-hI0swfw8Hpquvyivxjhm9tDx2Iolwwf4~5SnnrCB4DDGo6XHFms80YrI7Atxr1y7m3XsXY-djVQRJutNLq9UzNerBTKQdE7-tIGcSLlLAT26tOytyuEGPPistP2Qb2yWs-bg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Mercer Island, Washington","date","2025-03-05T19:13:11Z","article","The Mercer Island City Council on March 4 reviewed schematic designs for the proposed Public Safety and Maintenance (PSM) facility that would consolidate police, emergency operations and public works functions on the Southeast 30th Street campus. City Manager Jesse Bond and the project design team presented proposed building footprints, storage systems and options for future expansion.

The presentation laid out how the consolidated site would shift public and staff parking to the north, place the PSM building just south of that, and keep operations and yard areas to the south. Aaron Young of Northwest Studio said the proposed buildings would increase covered and enclosed space compared with existing conditions — from roughly 50,000 square feet of existing building area across the consolidated site to about 74,000 square feet in the proposed configuration — and add enclosed warehouse and racked storage to replace a mix of hoop tents, sheds and uncovered laydown areas.

Why it matters: the project is a high‑cost capital effort that must balance operational continuity during construction, long‑term fleet and evidence storage, constraints created by critical‑area buffers on the southern yard and a likely ballot/bond timetable. Council discussion focused on siting the building on the parcel, yard capacity, storage strategy and procurement approach.

Key council and staff discussion points

- Yard, storage and building footprints: The team identified about 2.25 acres on the northern edge of the consolidated site as the primary reserve for future expansion. Existing covered surfaces in the public works yard total roughly 12,200 square feet; the design would add enclosed warehouse volume and covered storage to protect equipment and materials year‑round. The designers recommended using a mix of traditional pallet racking, cantilever racking for long materials, and selective high‑density/mobile racking in the warehouse to improve operational efficiency.

- Vehicles and conditioned space: Staff said only a subset of vehicles require heated indoor storage to remain operational during freezing weather. Vehicles explicitly cited were the street sweeper, hydro‑excavator (Vactor), and liquid deicer. The project includes maintenance bays, indoor storage zones and a decant/wash facility; the design team described capture and exhaust systems for indoor maintenance to avoid fumes in office areas.

- Lower yard lid options and costs: Designers presented two approaches to expand covered laydown area above the lower yard: a large structural “full lid” (covering about 38,000 square feet) estimated to add roughly $6–8 million, and a lighter, right‑sized partial lid of about 8,000 square feet estimated at roughly $1–2 million. The team noted a full structural lid could approach the technical threshold for a parking garage with additional code and mechanical requirements.

- Future expansion and siting: Two siting scenarios were discussed: (1) keep the building sited toward the back of the parcel to preserve more uncommitted land in front; or (2) move the building forward now to create a larger secure area behind it and simplify future lateral expansion. Council members were split; several favored preserving the north‑side reserve (scenario 1) while others said pulling the building forward could give more predictable options later.

- Procurement and value engineering: City Manager Jesse Bond said he will recommend pursuing the General Contractor/Construction Manager (GCCM) alternative delivery method and bring the council a timetable and request for state approval tied to the bond/budget timeline. Bond said bringing a contractor to the table earlier can reduce surprises and help manage long lead‑time materials. Council member Jacobson urged an early decision: “the sooner we make that decision, the better.”

Staff direction and next steps

- Staff will continue targeted, department‑level reviews: project staff will meet with public works personnel in March to review operations layout and with Mercer Island Police Department staff in two sessions planned for March 11 and 12 to refine PD space and secure‑area needs.

- The project team will return with additional analysis on building siting, a pro/con review of pulling the building forward versus preserving the northern reserve, and a recommendation and schedule for GCCM procurement (staff indicated a return to the council in April for deeper follow‑up). Bond said the team will also refine cost estimates and phasing planning before moving to a bond measure package.

- No formal council vote was taken on siting or construction delivery at the March 4 workshop; council members provided direction and initial preferences on expansion options.

Ending note: The council emphasized operational continuity during construction and the need for additional detail on logistics, phasing and long‑term flexibility before any final scoping or ballot decisions.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","03/04/2025 - Mercer Island - City Council Regular Hybrid Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","The Mercer Island City Council on March 4 reviewed schematic designs for the proposed Public Safety and Maintenance (PSM) facility that would consolidate police, emergency operations and public works functions on the Southeast 30th Street campus.","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},6297740,"Votes at a glance — Mercer Island City Council, March 4, 2025",99,838000,937000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2507410-89c0c85926a5420de95ad00a00927752&start=838&end=937","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2507410-89c0c85926a5420de95ad00a00927752/thumbnail_838000.jpg","/articles/6297740/Mercer-Island/King-County/Washington/Votes-at-a-glance-Mercer-Island-City-Council-March-4-2025","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6297740-077a80e70b63adaa79cc69044bd5f3b9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771191104&Signature=hljU1w~~wrR-9J32uxtsM5WnhmHpcZBVD697l9R6~dEDCHMkWcmdcjpdQ1BFS8O25FvMjYVlwJkYcVyRDfzwCHaVVO~rwXwaIgHzkjHT41adqOS7omQpI1GG8ctmFHI6b4zNddPU4lZYUby7cCQr~JigwoOmshHWqTFnMUDI7YJbim6u3OcpMe0D8DsxXBhtxcgo3LFCqrdKIgu89sQ7-vqMkRryVyOwEOin-n~jPOGY5slC11n9~2xckiEflg86hJFvje4i06-PITtLyixWFkFUH9uz9bwVpnwlpZT-UI3pVAnI1~FLzytYqPKEwDxn3yGG4-OvJHAtbb4UJQqdvA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Mercer Island City Council recorded the following formal actions during its March 4, 2025 regular meeting. All tallies below reflect roll‑call votes read into the record by the city clerk unless otherwise noted.

Consent agenda — approved

- Motion: Approve the consent agenda as presented (items AB 6626, AB 6640, minutes, AB 6627 interim development regulations related to middle housing and accessory dwelling units — second reading/Ordinance No. 25 C‑0‑02, AB 6629 Open Space Conservancy Trust annual report, AB 6630 adoption of the 2025–2029 commute trip reduction plan, AB 6636 revised 2025 fee schedule, AB 6637 collective bargaining agreement with police support, AB 6638 amendment to interlocal agreement for jail services with Issaquah, AB 6639 interlocal agreement with Eastside Transportation Partnership).)
- Mover/Seconder: Motion moved by Council Member Weinberg and seconded by Deputy Mayor Rosenbaum (city clerk called roll).
- Result: Approved (roll call: ayes recorded; meeting transcript records unanimous ayes on the consent agenda).

Appointments resolution — adopted

- Motion: Adopt Resolution No. 1617 appointing Katie Kratzner to the Mercer Island Arts Council (position #3; term to 05/31/2026).
- Mover/Seconder: Deputy Mayor Rosenbaum moved; Council Member Jacobson seconded.
- Result: Adopted by roll call (ayes recorded).

Ordinances scheduled for second reading (motions recorded)

- Ordinance 25 C‑0‑06 (Unit lot subdivisions / SB 5258): Motion to schedule second reading on 03/18/2025. Moved by Council Member Andrew; seconded by Council Member Weinberg. Roll call: ayes; ordinance set for second reading.

- Ordinance 25 C‑0‑05 (Interim regulations related to emergency shelters and supportive housing / HB 1120): Motion to schedule second reading on 03/18/2025. Moved by Council Member Jacobson; seconded by Council Member Andrew. Roll call: ayes; ordinance set for second reading.

Additional roll calls and procedural motions

- Approval of the meeting agenda at opening: moved and seconded; approved by roll call.

Notes: Several items adopted or set for second reading tonight are tied to related policy or fee actions (for example, the middle‑housing/ADU ordinances and a fee schedule update referenced in the consent agenda) that carry an effective date of June 30, 2025 if adopted as scheduled.","Summary of recorded motions/votes at the March 4 meeting, including adoption of the consent agenda, appointments resolution, and scheduling of multiple ordinances for second reading",{"_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},6297744,"Council appoints Katie Kratzner to Arts Council seat after email ballot tally",312,999000,1311000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2507410-89c0c85926a5420de95ad00a00927752&start=999&end=1311","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2507410-89c0c85926a5420de95ad00a00927752/thumbnail_999000.jpg","/articles/6297744/Mercer-Island/King-County/Washington/Council-appoints-Katie-Kratzner-to-Arts-Council-seat-after-email-ballot-tally","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6297744-b738ce0ce303c338c64d3dcb89871dce/orig.mp4?Expires=1771191104&Signature=CLvaDjqZaYQHFrikj1Ih74Rd8xeQNgfkyM0r22DCmrvfViXQg6o-eELh-aHMEYgpSplYcXIUZBR~Hq4q4r-akz10pyPOSqKlThYZgIu~Z8~v77Ui4VOuxLFmHTz-EMAqs4HhBrsjazYw5-u1qlMDpHeDPWTJ8FVOODH3TaK3bWPDK3Ed~lAYv-V33Fohh6KMQjceMNgDgOC1UQuKXkNVm-BUz44jjAY-GWyeKlSRhWQ11h0DTr-anB2FeW-wPjF6X60dC9shS2tkLUb4UbAoaadNgJ1FZIr17FVl0qdnn507Qt3jAdmKdwQd4UkyurfJpQOM7IaMyLVM96zpwGDVhA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At the March 4 meeting the Mercer Island City Council voted to appoint Katie Kratzner to position number 3 on the Mercer Island Arts Council, filling a vacancy with a term running through May 31, 2026. Because some council members participated remotely, the city clerk distributed electronic ballots, tallied votes and announced the results: James Seeks received votes from Mayor Salim Nees and Council Member Weinberg; Katie Kratzner received votes from Council Members Weicker, Reynolds, Andrew Jacobson and Deputy Mayor Rosenbaum. The city clerk confirmed Kratzner received five votes and read the appointment resolution aloud.

The resolution (No. 1617) appointing members to the city’s advisory boards and commissions passed on a roll‑call vote of the council. As part of the appointment, the resolution requires new board and commission members to complete open‑government training (Open Public Meetings Act, Public Records Act and public‑records retention) within 45 days and to provide proof of completion to the city clerk; failure to comply may result in referral to council leadership for potential removal.

Ending: City staff displayed the resolution on screen and the council adopted it by roll call; Kratzner was congratulated and the clerk will place the name on the boards and commissions resolution list.","The council tallied emailed ballots and appointed Katie Kratzner to Arts Council position #3 (term through 05/31/2026); appointee must complete open government training within 45 days",{"_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},6297749,"Council schedules second reading for interim emergency shelter and supportive‑housing rules tied to HB 1120",273,2430000,2703000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2507410-89c0c85926a5420de95ad00a00927752&start=2430&end=2703","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2507410-89c0c85926a5420de95ad00a00927752/thumbnail_2430000.jpg","/articles/6297749/Mercer-Island/King-County/Washington/Council-schedules-second-reading-for-interim-emergency-shelter-and-supportivehousing-rules-tied-to-HB-1120","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6297749-5ec7d1cf819fcb1e8d5d485699587d4c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771191104&Signature=BU4PQV4zI7A7jvwf-XN685~5nfVgvAEeqUsmX8mUdHl1yk2vv42o0OlD7un3hQB-mhoxVbPJeV4nlB5ujsgkZj1SwdEpmfbl9zxKmJ23fzLRFq0m2nIFY2ISYSFHz4b4Z8UZIrvxUMJClTeNzyqB6izAhS1jhMPLhmuaiyExlvXjACLu4iKTR-Pqv6QT7j9jPDcBXkYek2MAPk6kvFZqJGJ~3NGKlr9viU5i9dqBwDmCki-6TpJwY6JvNNib8tt5bmGnWjr2QUrniw3i3Bg-FDv9nkGzYjUOXVawMaFfqTf0ceRRh8rFAiAhF43V7bCgpft11H3uxxyh1JvLyVb16g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The council conducted a public hearing and first reading of ordinance 25 C‑0‑05, renewing interim amendments to MICC 19.16.010 to comply with House Bill 1120 (HB 1120). No speakers were signed up for the item; CPD Director Jeff Thomas and Senior Planner Molly Maguire summarized the need to renew the regulations and discussed forthcoming guidance from the Washington State Department of Commerce.

What staff told the council

- Background: HB 1120 requires cities to allow indoor emergency shelters and transitional or permanent supportive housing in all residential zones and in zones where hotels are allowed, with occupancy, spacing and intensity regulations required to be reasonable and not to preclude siting a sufficient number of units to meet projected need.

- Interim rules: Staff recommended renewing the interim regulations adopted in 2024 with no substantive changes at this time, and noted the city will conduct a separate permanent‑regulation process, likely in 2026, to incorporate Commerce guidance (Step Housing guidance) and any needed permanent code changes.

- Procedure: Council set ordinance 25 C‑0‑05 for a second reading on March 18. Staff said the existing interim regulations would remain in force through the renewal process and that they expect to return with recommended permanent regulations after additional review of state guidance.

Ending: The council scheduled the ordinance for second reading on March 18; staff indicated they may seek one more interim renewal if needed while finishing the permanent regulations work program.","Council held a public hearing and first reading of interim regulations to comply with state House Bill 1120 requiring allowance of emergency shelters, transitional and permanent supportive housing in residential zones; staff will return March 18 for second reading",{"_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},6297754,"Council holds hearing and first reading on unit‑lot subdivisions to implement SB 5258; second reading set for March 18",1075,1328000,2403000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2507410-89c0c85926a5420de95ad00a00927752&start=1328&end=2403","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2507410-89c0c85926a5420de95ad00a00927752/thumbnail_1328000.jpg","/articles/6297754/Mercer-Island/King-County/Washington/Council-holds-hearing-and-first-reading-on-unitlot-subdivisions-to-implement-SB-5258-second-reading-set-for-March-18","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6297754-97cc956ebe8fa71e90a30a47f400192c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771191104&Signature=g6VAd5DIsjvxTkcVa0~jCbK5LcO7Iqf2OzT5LRphgOOYThMout-WXKWGkByOdQPPQAkOnw50FLXLzSKXoWcl6fITuTtrbs0ic37SZ1fxv~KNY0rwBQs7HKBXG6yPYn8hVwgo1o6OvLfgI7548xCXUWzgNJgVk-idYEgg6Guei5W-fSuP-wuNN3rF1JGyglv2OhjY0PJMzaiO4YD~xSqWQcPaqmSFvUw9AHQsJh2O1jaEGqHo9k4Ius6ZqH50GED9DkC1T~0eSuhdo1eVA4IUDdK5h96KAb7xtHUOOLnRrCdxX5I54VJLib8u0T7-dxWcHuJk~Pd3od-B355sNx6pWg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Mercer Island City Council opened a public hearing and conducted a first reading of ordinance 25 C‑0‑06 on March 4, a package of interim regulations to implement Senate Bill 5258 (2023) by allowing fee‑simple unit lot subdivisions. CPD Director Jeff Thomas introduced the staff presentation; Deputy Director Alice Van Gorp (Allison) and planners explained the ordinance framework.

The ordinance adds a new section under MICC 19.08.080 to create a short‑plat style “unit lot subdivision” that allows up to four fee‑simple unit lots to be created from a parent lot. As Allison Van Gorp explained, “It allows for fee simple ownership of these new child or unit lots, which creates a less expensive way to produce housing.” The staff presentation said existing development standards — including setbacks, lot coverage and gross floor area — remain applied to the parent lot, and that unit lots must be labeled on the final plat to warn buyers that unit lots remain limited by parent‑lot standards.

Key provisions and next steps

- What it does: Unit lot subdivision permits creation of up to four unit lots (fee simple) from one parent lot while preserving the parent‑lot development standards. The city will allow unit lots to be used with middle‑housing types and accessory dwelling units (ADUs) adopted in related ordinances. Parking required for housing units may be provided on another unit lot within the same parent lot.

- No dimensional prescriptions: The interim rules do not prescribe minimum lot sizes, widths or lot lengths for unit lots. The size of any unit lot is governed by the need to fit the structure within the parent lot and to respect the consolidated parent‑lot limits.

- Timing: Staff advised that ordinance 25 C‑0‑06 will return for a second reading at the March 18 council meeting; staff said that, if adopted, the ordinance would be effective June 30, the same effective date staff gave for the recently adopted middle‑housing and ADU ordinances and associated impact fee updates.

Public comment and council questions

Two members of the public spoke during the hearing. Robert Thorpe discussed options for churches and nonprofits to use ADUs and shared technical suggestions for parking and drainage. Architect Reid Cahill identified himself as available to provide technical assistance to the city. Council members asked clarifying questions about how unit‑lot standards would differ from separate parent lots and whether a very small unit lot (for example, a 500‑square‑foot unit lot) could be created; staff explained the restriction comes from applying parent‑lot standards, not a fixed minimum unit‑lot size.

Vote scheduling: At the end of the item the council voted to set ordinance 25 C‑0‑06 for second reading on March 18. The motion was moved by Council Member Andrew and seconded by Council Member Weinberg; the roll call showed ayes and the ordinance was scheduled for second reading.","City staff presented interim fee‑simple unit lot subdivision regulations required by SB 5258, clarifying how parent‑lot development standards apply, allowing separate sale of unit lots and noting impact fees and effective dates; council set a second reading for March 18","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council reviews schematic design for public safety and maintenance facility; staff to return with siting analysis and procurement recommendation

Votes at a glance — Mercer Island City Council, March 4, 2025

Council appoints Katie Kratzner to Arts Council seat after email ballot tally

Council schedules second reading for interim emergency shelter and supportive‑housing rules tied to HB 1120

Council holds hearing and first reading on unit‑lot subdivisions to implement SB 5258; second reading set for March 18