[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-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],{"_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",6115505,"mediaKeyId","2738564-74d693a5476efad9f279b3a927d421c7","parentId",2738564,"title","Council directs staff to draft ordinance for app-based town center parking; staffing, hours and Tully site rules to return in April","audioSeconds",3658,"startMs",683000,"endMs",4341000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2738564-74d693a5476efad9f279b3a927d421c7&start=683&end=4341","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2738564-74d693a5476efad9f279b3a927d421c7/thumbnail_683000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6115505/Mercer-Island/King-County/Washington/Council-directs-staff-to-draft-ordinance-for-app-based-town-center-parking-staffing-hours-and-Tully-site-rules-to-return-in-April","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6115505-6bbdba455baa6b11d222ac316befdbef/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448520&Signature=drOZJvfpnbDPtVXE4KoOSZqGW2Zfi1hnVMPaUBKxH6-I4qqv6suGaXF0d0XAWPgcjdLBXOqT6k~DNz59WczfgxhynVgNwM6MdpJqn6OzGLHoSOhea7BykPDrwbZuAOrRsB~GAUzjyDDG1MvgUxCE3TKrQRo8Tlb5rrAE1FvfcoFMgd1CFTSxutFHhKq6tLVrDclV-JEiUMsNOMy2zWMVPwCk-yLriMvuoXR1DBiUsrEjEaj2APrP9zdNnL1GASDnfalNaXq-MJGhrvW~VpdXF46Q8oJnMLeCYieRTN3Fe1cig38D6qGUcctTr5XqCJl6KlrLsOdjPCeA0ql~7sYz0g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Mercer Island, Washington","date","2025-03-19T19:11:23Z","article","Mercer Island city staff asked the City Council to confirm a new approach for managing on-street parking in the town center and to set rules for a 33-space lot at the former Tully site; council members gave policy direction and asked staff to return with an ordinance and cost estimates in April.

The staff presentation, led by Management Analyst Amelia (Amelia Jaden), summarized the town center parking plan adopted November 2023 and reviewed recent changes: an increase in parking citation fees under Ordinance 24 C-14 (effective Jan. 1, 2025), conversion of permit spaces to unrestricted spaces, quarterly park-and-ride counts and a contract award for construction at the former Tully site to OMA Construction. Amelia told the council that the police support officer currently “must manually chalk tires to conduct parking enforcement,” and that an app-based system integrated with ALPR and enforcement software would create a “one-touch” enforcement workflow.

Why it matters: council and staff said managing turnover in about 250 on-street town-center spaces will be important when the Sound Transit light-rail station opens and park-and-ride use rises. Staff framed the choices as trade-offs among enforcement cost, accessibility and turnover to support businesses.

What council signaled tonight

- On-street parking: Council members generally signaled support for using a mobile-registration/pay system (ParkMobile was the staff-recommended vendor) to enforce time limits and reduce manual enforcement work. Council discussion repeatedly returned to the core goal stated by staff and several council members: prioritize turnover for town-center patrons and customers.

- Enforcement hours: Council discussion landed on 8 a.m.–10 p.m. enforcement windows for town-center street parking. Councilmembers debated whether to extend or compress those hours; several members favored 8 a.m.–10 p.m. to reduce overnight occupations of curb spaces.

- On-street time limits and fees: Staff recommended a baseline model of 2 hours free with an option to extend for up to 4 hours at $2.50 per hour (set in the fee schedule). Some council members argued for 2 hours free with no paid extension; others supported the staff rate as regionally comparable. Council asked staff to return with a clear cost estimate for scenarios before final ordinance readings.

- Former Tully site (new town-center parking area): Staff recommended 2 hours free and the option to extend up to 12 hours at $2.50 per hour with a daily maximum of $12.50 (and recommended the same 8 a.m.–10 p.m. enforcement). Council members agreed to pursue a consistent hours policy for the Tully lot and to consider 7-day enforcement so the lot is usable on weekends and for event days.

Next steps and direction recorded on the record

- Staff were directed to prepare an ordinance to establish the framework for paid on-street parking and a resolution to amend the fee schedule. City Manager Jesse Vaughn and Management Analyst Amelia said staff would return with a first reading on April 1 and, if possible, a second reading on April 15. Councilmember remarks requested that staff include a cost estimate for alternative models (e.g., 2 hours free with or without paid extension) before final adoption.

- Staff recommended ParkMobile as the mobile-registration vendor and noted ParkMobile does not charge a transaction fee for free sessions under 2 hours; paid sessions would incur a per-transaction fee. Staff described a phased rollout with public outreach and warnings before citations.

What was not decided tonight

- There was no final ordinance adoption or formal vote on rates or exact on-street paid-time parameters. The council provided policy direction and partial support for staff’s recommended implementation approach and asked staff to return with ordinance language and cost estimates for April.

Quotes (selected)

- “The PSO currently must manually chalk tires to conduct parking enforcement,” Management Analyst Amelia said, describing current enforcement staff workload.

- Commander Mike Seifert (Operations Commander, Police Department) summarized enforcement practice in nearby jurisdictions: “Without an ALPR system…the only way they’re doing time enforcement is with that outside company that they’re contracting with.”

Ending

Staff will return with an ordinance and a fee-schedule resolution at the next council touchpoint; councilmembers asked for a fiscal comparison of alternatives (app-based registration with paid extensions, app plus free two-hour baseline without paid extension, and a no-app/manual-enforcement scenario) before final votes.

Votes and formal actions recorded at this meeting did not adopt ordinance language; the council instead provided direction for draft legislation and a timeline for return to council.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","03/18/2025 - Mercer Island - City Council Regular Hybrid Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Mercer Island city staff asked the City Council to confirm a mobile-registration strategy for town-center parking and to set rules for a 33-space lot at the former Tully site; councilmembers gave direction and asked staff to return with an ordinance and cost estimates in April.","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},6115490,"Council hears legislative session update; city pursuing $3 million for emergency water-source replacement",772,4353000,5125000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2738564-74d693a5476efad9f279b3a927d421c7&start=4353&end=5125","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2738564-74d693a5476efad9f279b3a927d421c7/thumbnail_4353000.jpg","/articles/6115490/Mercer-Island/King-County/Washington/Council-hears-legislative-session-update-city-pursuing-3-million-for-emergency-water-source-replacement","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6115490-712ca7d8987a79e7f9146e139b543e2b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448520&Signature=WP5IXYM2s-h7mFGrlub7-JtN24gEcBhEWPf-dK5mUzbzq9MFh2hxmhQWKWF6pbG6KYf8TmNueIJtaIPLoRJ5NcA8AIVjeoH8uwhvy2~Du4eO3b2lCatp135j-N8VeYupUcsJGI9SpD4tDavC5iv-9XgmtXKz72CzM6-wwMwAkmDTlBn6bz~sOY9EnKFCb-FebyUBxBoTxbNH1ekpuuZL9MIu2lQh-HZjlqPctSizKjBFsZsyHVHyn8rTzQa9l2iYTrUK5tvnfLyTKA3k2DVKXSULt-RkeCTIJuxhvYym6Ch88wficvru9NLVw0H8aKXgPJxS2tSx7Sq8~jUd38--Tw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senior Management Analyst Robbie Cunningham Adams briefed the council on the 2025 Washington legislative session, emphasizing the city’s priorities and the budget context.

Key points

- Session context: The legislature is in a 120-day “long session” that runs January–April and includes the state two-year budget. Staff said about 27 separate committee testimonies or written submissions have been filed by the city through March 18.

- City priorities: The city’s adopted 2025 legislative priorities include the capital ask for emergency replacement of the city’s sole water source (a $3 million capital request), public-safety funding, behavioral-health resources, affordable-housing support and infrastructure preservation.

- Water-source capital request: Representative Janice Zahn (recently appointed to the 41st district) and the city’s lobbyists are supporting the capital request. Councilmember Weinberg reported that, after outreach to the capital-budget chair, Representative Zahn secured a penciled-in $500,000 in a committee draft; staff cautioned the forecast remains uncertain until the April budget is adopted.

- Bills and positions: Staff said the city opposed House Bill 1380 (which would have limited city authority over homeless encampment management) and continued to track a narrowed public-safety funding bill (House Bill 2015) that would expand local options to levy sales tax for public-safety funding. Several housing-related bills remain in play; staff said they will continue to engage to shape outcomes.

- Next steps: Staff cautioned the state budget is strained and that final outcomes will not be known until the legislature completes work in April. Staff said they will return with final session impacts and any implementation requirements.

Ending

Council thanked staff for heavy legislative engagement and noted the city remains actively lobbying for the capital water-source request and monitoring public-safety and housing bills.","Staff summarized 2025 state legislative work, city priorities and active bills; the city requested $3 million in the capital budget for replacement of its sole water source and lobbyists reported a challenging state budget environment.",{"_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},6115495,"Council approves joint infrastructure planning for Clark and Groveland beaches to prioritize shoreline repairs",614,6232000,6846000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2738564-74d693a5476efad9f279b3a927d421c7&start=6232&end=6846","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2738564-74d693a5476efad9f279b3a927d421c7/thumbnail_6232000.jpg","/articles/6115495/Mercer-Island/King-County/Washington/Council-approves-joint-infrastructure-planning-for-Clark-and-Groveland-beaches-to-prioritize-shoreline-repairs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6115495-e37e01c87073b7b3a88d63f15ec3709a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448520&Signature=MfW2CZRf6fh8kpoF9H7aVqrpP6zZS~V61wF1WingU8-WqzgFtLEYdL-yGZYbPKIgmnLpdKYHd1Rwz1ap~xio4txRnKLI4HmUpYUHlV8RZLPxjhHh-2JDw7BR4yT3MKqD6wsAE9v5ddITJD5PZmb2K2kJ2yLuYOjVGB863nRf9gdZbSVi3rKFA7yjSi9t9gXhIN3OTYFi2MDISLTe5m~IUks3EMZz67EyOwMwXHO4Oj42jZB88X18zGkCkoehWhrHYsguO1tnzcDA45hSwa~iW4RolkNjZS7fupL52OhOnDNnad1RNGIcTSkjAhNc11-sb5hziap923h-QcVTbJx-Zg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Mercer Island City Council approved a refined “joint infrastructure plan” to prioritize near-term repair and replacement of shoreline structures and waterfront amenities at Clark and Groveland Beach Parks, directing staff to begin design, permitting and community engagement.

Why it matters: both parks were developed in the 1960s–1970s, and staff reported deteriorating sheet piles, bulkheads, stairs and pathways. City staff emphasized that many current waterfront structures would be difficult to permit under today’s environmental rules, so the plan focuses on replacing failing infrastructure while evaluating opportunities for habitat-friendly alternatives and shoreline restoration.

Key points from staff

- Scope and focus: Chief of Operations Jason Kidner told the council the city is narrowing a previously proposed full master plan to an infrastructure-first approach because waterfront repairs are urgent, technically complex and expensive. The new scope prioritizes overwater structures, bulkhead repairs, shoreline stabilization, restrooms and access pathways.

- Permitting and design complexity: Staff and consultant work (Berger Partnership) has included topographic and geotechnical study. Kidner and the consultant told council members that permitting — including hydraulic project approvals, U.S. Army Corps coordination and shoreline permits — will be complex and multi-year. Some existing hardened bulkheads and swim enclosures are not “fish-friendly” and would be hard to permit as-is; staff said removal alternatives could create environmental benefit but require careful engineering and mitigation planning.

- Public priorities: Early outreach found beach access, swimming (especially at Groveland), and picnicking are high priorities for users. Community concerns include degraded amenities, accessibility and off-leash dogs at Clark.

Vote and motion

- Motion to approve the scope of work and community engagement plan for the Clark & Groveland Beach Parks Joint Infrastructure Plan was moved by Councilmember Weinberg and seconded by Deputy Mayor Rosenbaum. Roll-call approval followed (Reynolds: Aye; Andral: Aye; Weinberg: Aye; Mayor Saleem Nies: Aye; Deputy Mayor Rosenbaum: Aye).

Staff comments and next steps

- Staff said they will continue geotechnical and permitting work, develop concept alternatives that consider removals of hardened structures and potential habitat restoration, undertake outreach (Let’s Talk, surveys and open house(s)), and return to council with a draft plan for review in early 2026. Staff noted the city will pursue grant and other funding sources; similar waterfront projects can take multiple years to design, permit and construct.

Ending

Council approved the infrastructure-first scope and directed staff to proceed with design, permitting and community outreach. Staff cautioned that long permitting timelines and cost will be substantive factors in final design decisions.","Council approved a refined joint infrastructure plan for Clark and Groveland Beach Parks that prioritizes repair and replacement of aging overwater structures, bulkheads and shoreline facilities and directs staff to pursue permitting and funding pathways.",{"_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},6115500,"Council approves scope, engagement plan for Dean’s Children’s Park renovation",711,5513000,6224000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2738564-74d693a5476efad9f279b3a927d421c7&start=5513&end=6224","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2738564-74d693a5476efad9f279b3a927d421c7/thumbnail_5513000.jpg","/articles/6115500/Mercer-Island/King-County/Washington/Council-approves-scope-engagement-plan-for-Deans-Childrens-Park-renovation","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6115500-81d8cc202896b6c790179fadef81a9f5/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448520&Signature=FAnpLNMqJVlr1tn8U1R7Yy6ZqeKl70r42UQL~DnZZm57GExfqCHDKj-8KR0AOaPutnhoJ3K7TcqBNdv0u4JgIaIaoccBzjhsSU9UjpLckZx2Oo2A8yS2JTquuyIIuVhZ4mMm3NhrCGS-7tLbs20mfWK2Unt5J94jBi6M7Wuvq7ZTGJfjgRz3oia8KMUAWKjeg2hxVHlqeKFDgnZWGmPsUaB~yEmRgf~lOdvrEtN6OC76pAfzG9Y0bXa2TqdYiFYkfjK-tyfSVy7wCu~NRlpBQIk-2bVMfg8wxkykU30lSPmIh7nkVIWODr9VGoY8kXCVmefYk41QhO3a8bETncv6Og__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Mercer Island City Council voted to approve a narrowed scope of work and a community engagement plan for renovation of Dean’s Children’s Park (often called Dragon Park), directing staff to advance design and outreach to finalize a site plan.

Why it matters: Dean’s Children’s Park is identified in the city’s parks levy as one of the first playgrounds to be replaced. Council and staff said the site is well suited for improved universal-access play because of its relatively flat topography, proximity to Island Crest Park parking, and multiple entry points.

What was approved

- Scope and phasing: The council approved a focused site-plan approach that prioritizes replacement of playground equipment using levy funds and seeks other funding (grants or donations) for additional amenities (picnic shelter, restroom repairs). Staff emphasized the scope excludes a full 20-year master plan and instead targets immediate priorities for the playground and adjacent access improvements.

- Public engagement: Staff will run a community engagement program that includes a “Let’s Talk” project page, up to two open houses (in-person and virtual), targeted surveys, outreach to the Parks & Recreation Committee (PRC), and coordination with the citizen coalition that formed as “Friends of Dragon Park.” Staff confirmed they have already begun stakeholder briefings and invited broader participation at summer events.

- Timeline: Staff said they will complete predesign and engagement in 2025 and intend to have final site planning complete by the end of the year to allow construction of playground elements in the following year.

Vote and motion

- Motion to approve the scope of work and community engagement plan was moved by Councilmember Weinberg and seconded by Deputy Mayor Rosenbaum. The council approved the motion by roll call (Weinberg: Aye; Andral: Aye; Rosenbaum: Aye; Mayor Saleem Nies: Aye; Reynolds: Aye).

Quotes and community input

- Public commenter John Hamer, representing “Friends of Dragon Park,” described the group’s goals: “Our goal is to help the city renovate Dean’s Children's Park to the highest possible standards of accessibility and inclusivity for those of all ages and abilities.” Hamer said the group includes Mercer Island Rotary, Mercer Island Preschool Association, Friendship Circle and Moms for Safe Mercer Island and that they stand ready to partner with the city.

- Chief of Operations Jason Kidner said the city would target levy funds to playground replacement and seek grant funding for other site amenities; Kidner described the restroom closest to the picnic shelter as “dilapidated” and noted existing utilities provide an opportunity for future improvement.

Ending

Staff will begin the planned engagement and design work under the approved scope and return to council with concept alternatives and a preferred site plan; funding beyond levy-provided playground replacement will be sought through grants and partnerships.","Council approved a focused site-scope and public engagement plan to guide renovation of Dean’s Children’s Park (the “Dragon Park”), prioritizing accessible playground replacements funded by the parks levy and pursuing additional funding for other site amenities.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council directs staff to draft ordinance for app-based town center parking; staffing, hours and Tully site rules to return in April

Council hears legislative session update; city pursuing $3 million for emergency water-source replacement

Council approves joint infrastructure planning for Clark and Groveland beaches to prioritize shoreline repairs

Council approves scope, engagement plan for Dean’s Children’s Park renovation