[{"_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",6061592,"mediaKeyId","3281218-9ad8061cf14dc76fe63632cfbc725660","parentId",3281218,"title","Residents urge Sammamish to act after fiber installation damages trees, lawns","audioSeconds",165,"startMs",7176000,"endMs",7341000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3281218-9ad8061cf14dc76fe63632cfbc725660&start=7176&end=7341","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3281218-9ad8061cf14dc76fe63632cfbc725660/thumbnail_7176000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6061592/Sammamish-City/King-County/Washington/Residents-urge-Sammamish-to-act-after-fiber-installation-damages-trees-lawns","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6061592-7315129d8a719ced8ab338650b44a729/orig.mp4?Expires=1771159841&Signature=o-ZWOhDGfdjvcpCGxslohX4Ss-1JTD5EKJyOnJX0GMd0O9t2EfAncT69k7QjQECHeOUb~huCdFX0v3g2EzS1Sp6u1C2~6zH5Tcoy1v7tHEc3s8z3KJWhw9K2weKmTGrR59qbh64Kqzo2jRJ16CLMioUZSw~lh17vn5OY~IMgg7Y3DDVlD8tbINj38uL5XaMDCuP0yqSSBaqiffxjAY9DtstnNQ31ket0bO2EYFw6MtbtftHVHNByw6aVUWMSvglO3lW5LejCKdsKvG7Igridnbdwv3C4gtaWOwIcA1Guca4sJTAOdiGOIbxYPwtGrdiVcRwGOQuXOrwsCMQ9USBlgQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Sammamish City, WA","date","2025-01-14T00:00:00Z","article","Multiple residents raised concerns during public comment at the Jan. 14 Sammamish City Council study session about recent fiber‑optic installation work by Ziply in Sammamish neighborhoods.

What residents said: Speakers described excavation that cut tree roots, disrupted irrigation lines, created unmarked holes and damaged plantings and lawns. They said notices were sometimes not provided before work began and that restoration obligations are not producing meaningful recovery for older trees and longstanding plantings.

Why this matters: Residents asked the council and city staff how right‑of‑way work is permitted, what restoration standards apply, and whether the city could exert more oversight to avoid irreversible damage to mature trees and yard landscapes. Several speakers noted damaged plantings in Timberline and other neighborhoods and said they had not been contacted by the utility’s management after raising concerns.

Council/staff response: Council members acknowledged the complaints and confirmed staff had received emails and written complaints; staff indicated right‑of‑way rules and restoration obligations apply and that staff would follow up to confirm whether the contractor met permit conditions and to verify notifications were made. Residents asked for quicker staff intervention and clearer restoration standards for mature tree impacts.

Next steps: City staff will review permit conditions and correspondence from Ziply and residents, confirm whether notification and restoration requirements were met, and report back to council and affected residents. Residents were advised to document damage and share photos and correspondence with the city to support investigations.

Ending: Speakers emphasized that restoration is not a substitute for avoiding damage in the first place and urged the city to take a preventive approach when approving and overseeing right‑of‑way work.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","January 14, 2025 -City Council Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Several Sammamish residents told council during public comment that recent Ziply fiber installation work has damaged lawns, irrigation, mature trees and landscaping and that restoration and notification have been inadequate.","taxTitle","Sammamish City, King County, Washington","taxId",5127,"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},6061597,"Council hears proposal for affordable‑housing fee in lieu; consultants recommend $34.45 per square foot",387,5152000,5539000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3281218-9ad8061cf14dc76fe63632cfbc725660&start=5152&end=5539","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3281218-9ad8061cf14dc76fe63632cfbc725660/thumbnail_5152000.jpg","/articles/6061597/Sammamish-City/King-County/Washington/Council-hears-proposal-for-affordablehousing-fee-in-lieu-consultants-recommend-3445-per-square-foot","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6061597-7d9922abc9fdb22a9badc3a96a1a5ba3/orig.mp4?Expires=1771159841&Signature=H54qmV8NIaZWlRhRSjur2gTYpa-2IBibWc-BZ~78sUb0O62xOgjYZ5E8FoZOTUfwZ1o3~3RktJSjJkqJYNAemAXVgIw5YdO~q3Diu9bnC7Bq8URF3GZTTFDJ670QJc0e1bBq0clW0uqXKZ1pVhb6jy9c8D2ikxERRiyzzymOEEzmEq-3ew3yL6WWlyCrpEKqjA2FCdsDyblDrmBMa-v~xNcBxfh7XE8sqh~~8c7gFOEOOwGKJk7yL4T~Z2W8K-XcHWVkxmsY6u4vBpp8dU9AtApb3CfQZ86o~z-hspavogAdHbsZF90Z8TjXShTTMhgMX1RkgG0uYxsMqRjlger6MQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Sammamish City staff and consultants presented proposed implementation guidance for the city’s new inclusionary housing requirement at the Jan. 14 study session, recommending an in‑lieu fee of $34.45 per square foot calculated from a developer feasibility model.

What was presented: Department of Community Development staff, with consultant support from ARCH and BAE/Kidder Matthews, explained how the in‑lieu fee was developed. The model compares an estimated market sales price for a unit to an affordable price (80% of area median income) and converts the difference into a fee per square foot. The city’s new code (SMC 20.21.10) requires 10% of new units to be affordable at 80% AMI or to pay an in‑lieu fee in certain fractional cases; staff cited the state HB 1110 (middle‑housing provisions) as the enabling legislative context.

Consultant review and risks: Kidder Matthews conducted a review of ARCH’s model and found the methodology sound, noting the model relies on market and cost inputs that can change quickly. The consultants recommended periodic review of the fee so it remains responsive to market shifts and noted that small changes in costs can push a project from feasible to infeasible.

Council discussion: Council members asked whether a market factor should be applied to allow rapid adjustment if local construction costs change; staff recommended adopting the $34.45 fee and establishing a periodic update schedule (staff suggested an initial review after two years, with flexibility). Councilmembers also discussed who should hold and manage fee revenues. Two primary options were presented:
- City‑held fund: the city would manage revenues and award funds per council policy.
- ARCH/Bellevue‑held fund: ARCH operates a regional housing trust fund and could accept and manage the city’s revenue; ARCH staff bring dedicated capacity to connect funds to projects.

Council feedback and preferences: Several councilmembers expressed a preference for ARCH to hold and manage the funds, at least initially, citing ARCH’s staff capacity and the city’s lack of dedicated affordable‑housing personnel. Councilmembers also expressed a desire to prioritize projects within Sammamish when possible, but to allow funds to support regional projects if the local pipeline is too small; several suggested a policy that would allow funds to accrue locally for a fixed period (for example, a rolling multi‑year window) and to be used regionally if not deployed locally within that timeframe.

Next steps and schedule: Staff will take council feedback and prepare a recommendation to return to council on Feb. 18 and a requested set of resolutions on March 18: one to add the affordable housing fee to the city fee schedule and one to adopt policies for the affordable housing fund (holding, eligible uses, and cadence for review).

Ending: Council asked staff to return with written policy options describing a fund‑holding approach, proposed review intervals for the fee, and draft eligibility criteria for how funds may be invested locally or regionally.

","City staff and consultants presented a proposed inclusionary housing in‑lieu fee of $34.45 per square foot, based on developer feasibility modeling. Consultants recommended periodic review and council discussed whether Arch or the city should hold revenues and whether funds should be prioritized for projects inside Sammamish.",{"_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},6061602,"Sammamish presentation outlines multi‑year IT strategic plan; finance and permitting systems prioritized",339,4282000,4621000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3281218-9ad8061cf14dc76fe63632cfbc725660&start=4282&end=4621","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3281218-9ad8061cf14dc76fe63632cfbc725660/thumbnail_4282000.jpg","/articles/6061602/Sammamish-City/King-County/Washington/Sammamish-presentation-outlines-multiyear-IT-strategic-plan-finance-and-permitting-systems-prioritized","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6061602-a8c25df9d37dbea909ddcaddbc0c2c15/orig.mp4?Expires=1771159841&Signature=Q1bRPYp0R0TUqZsWMAa62-Wm0Q3u42pcGsqXvud1Y4NqTIsMbETOoEdAp1f5gBON-ZzAUVr5IIwKK2u~H6XeG3HIWtiz0uo2NYCEcMmz46d2M9~5sUE~sYIV~zZ78DJhAHgiN5bLdikChLf1s9lidmxH7V5rXhSbGKG~js8nEic~fyeyV2LuBuF0owijjEZFJ4eE45Tk7zo-DZ5ZjINI~Vx9tbgnCm3Pc9kvbcw6Q2stplsukFk2P3hu5vJahzdB92p6gwkiDQqhocM8qVk6Ip~dacdWQbZCAGhXKscgVFxvruo1HA1qFjMk59KPnMlFWydzjUDOS7a6FsGstF4qaw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Sammamish City IT Director Jim Hominyk presented an information technology strategic plan at the Jan. 14 study session, laying out a multi‑year road map that prioritizes an updated financial system now and a permitting (community development) system in the near term.

Why this matters: The plan is intended to move the city from multiple point solutions toward a more integrated enterprise approach that can improve staff efficiency, enable data-driven dashboards and reduce the administrative overhead of maintaining many distinct systems. IT staff also highlighted ongoing cyber‑security work as a continuing priority.

Key points from the presentation:
- Needs assessment: IT interviewed 39 staff across departments and worked with external technology partner Flow Analytics to inventory systems and identify gaps in documentation and integration. Staff discovered several point systems that were not centrally documented, including some park lighting and irrigation controls.
- Near-term priorities: The financial system modernization is the first major initiative and is budgeted in the current biennium; IT reported the project is in vendor selection with two finalists. A modern phone system (team‑based) and a permitting system replacement (community development) are planned for later in 2025 and 2026.
- Enterprise approach: The plan favors integrated enterprise systems to reduce duplicated licensing costs, centralize data and enable workflow automation; the plan includes the creation of a technology change advisory board (CAB) with department leadership to prioritize competing projects.
- Security and resilience: Hominyk reiterated ongoing investments in cyber security and infrastructure following a prior cyber event; IT will continue to prioritize patching, security monitoring and resilience efforts.
- Metrics and next steps: Council members asked for measurable success metrics (systems retired, staff hours saved, security posture improvements) and for a public dashboard to show progress and efficiency gains. IT committed to return with more detailed milestones and monitoring measures as projects proceed.

Budget and timeline: The heaviest technology investment is planned in 2025–2026 for enterprise initiatives; IT said those asks are included in the current budget. The permitting system is targeted to begin implementation later in 2025 and extend into 2026.

Council questions focused on asset mapping in CityWorks (stormwater and parks assets), how a move to enterprise systems would create efficiency and potential cost savings, and what metrics will be used to measure success. IT said it would present configuration milestones and more concrete metrics as projects advance.

Ending: Council thanked IT for compiling the plan and asked staff to return with measurable success indicators and periodic reports as large procurements move forward.

","City IT staff presented a strategic plan that prioritizes a financial system modernization this year and a permitting system replacement next year, along with enterprise integration, security maintenance and a change advisory board for project prioritization.",{"_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},6061607,"Sammamish council fills multiple boards and commissions seats after interviews",7384,173000,7557000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3281218-9ad8061cf14dc76fe63632cfbc725660&start=173&end=7557","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3281218-9ad8061cf14dc76fe63632cfbc725660/thumbnail_173000.jpg","/articles/6061607/Sammamish-City/King-County/Washington/Sammamish-council-fills-multiple-boards-and-commissions-seats-after-interviews","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6061607-8f51fe9f65937c3a307eb30d688bfe88/orig.mp4?Expires=1771159841&Signature=CkTuho2H-ubpxnRERuR3mpz8F~vz~M2gLMPCPgsH0yPT73SepgMo6ucCq0pZCSpzpd8LrY4bQdbIfYMkptm100MJj50Z2rU1p3z23T~p8LT9Kk4TstxTkRzPSW1o95xREzbXzWaSufYfrBJESNSlmXa3vj59TYFrcP8F0kBwU2lF6rhROGrdpMbaKElWAJphx2Ds2k94SBiZi5urazdMOGJi-XIYhouLagagK07wf5suTzkeW-~tANNYqjOC8sxSqgJvoHYx~Usn1SLX1Cft2gVXQYttMP9idHFsQ~NQqV3L2rrLdNGHSMoSYlNKM6VRdgJH-sqema8tFHN72xRQXA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Sammamish City Council voted on Jan. 14, 2025, to appoint residents to several city boards and commissions following a series of in-person and online interviews that evening.

Council members conducted interviews for the Planning Commission, Sustainability Commission, Parks and Recreation Commission, Human Services Commission and Arts Commission. Council and staff organized five-minute interview slots for most applicants so the public could hear their answers. After discussion, council members recorded votes and confirmed multiple appointments by unanimous voice votes.

Why this matters: Sammamish relies on volunteer commissioners to advise the council and staff on land use, environmental policy, parks and recreation programming, human services and arts activities. The newly appointed commissioners will join work already under way, including the comprehensive plan implementation, climate action priorities and park-trail projects.

What the council did: The council reappointed John Beckman to the Planning Commission following his interview and discussion of work ahead on the comprehensive plan and transportation master plan. Council members then filled seats on the Sustainability, Parks and Recreation, Human Services and Arts commissions. The council announced the outcome of each ballot at the meeting and said the formal resolutions to confirm the appointments will be returned for consent on an upcoming council agenda.

Votes at a glance (voice votes recorded at the study session):
- Planning Commission — John Beckman (reappointment). Outcome: approved by unanimous voice vote. Yes votes recorded from Mayor Karen Howe and council members (Deputy Mayor Annie Lam, Council members Kaylee Clark, Pamela Stewart, Kent Treen, Sid Gupta and Roshino Ferrell). Motion and second recorded during the meeting; formal roll-call confirmation will appear in the forthcoming consent resolution.
- Sustainability Commission — council announced successful applicants during the meeting (names read at the session). Outcome: appointments announced; formal resolutions to follow.
- Parks and Recreation Commission — council announced successful applicants during the meeting (names read at the session). Outcome: appointments announced; formal resolutions to follow.
- Human Services Commission — Jay (Jake) Kefner and Elizabeth Williams were announced as selected. Outcome: approved and announced at the meeting; formal resolutions to follow.
- Arts Commission — Venkataraman (Venkat) and Piali Bizwadi were named and the motion to appoint them carried by voice vote; formal resolution to confirm will be returned.

How appointments will be final: Council indicated ballots cast at the study session finalize selections for tonight and that staff will return resolutions for each commission’s appointments on a future consent agenda so the positions will be entered into the official record. Council also described a process to assign staggered/varied term lengths for some commissions based on vote tallies where multiple seats were filled.

What applicants emphasized: Applicants across commissions highlighted local experience, volunteer work, and priorities such as improving trail connections, transportation alternatives, water-wise landscaping, waste diversion and programmatic outreach to underrepresented communities. Several applicants cited experience working with schools, neighborhood groups and nonprofit boards.

Next steps: Staff will prepare the formal appointment resolutions for the council’s consent agenda. Newly appointed commissioners should expect orientation and will begin participating in commission meetings; councilmembers noted that vacancies may reoccur and encouraged other applicants to remain engaged.

Ending: Council members thanked all applicants for volunteering and noted the difficulty of picking from many qualified candidates. Formal appointment records and the consent agenda language will provide the official vote counts and term assignments in the minutes and subsequent resolutions.

","After interviews with a large pool of volunteers, the Sammamish City Council appointed members to multiple boards and commissions on Jan. 14, 2025. The council announced winners and approved appointments by voice vote; several commissions will assign staggered terms internally.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Residents urge Sammamish to act after fiber installation damages trees, lawns

Council hears proposal for affordable‑housing fee in lieu; consultants recommend $34.45 per square foot

Sammamish presentation outlines multi‑year IT strategic plan; finance and permitting systems prioritized

Sammamish council fills multiple boards and commissions seats after interviews