The Bothell City Council voted 7‑0 on Sept. 9 to authorize the city manager to sign a letter of intent and direct staff to negotiate a three‑year lease for the police department’s off‑site evidence and vehicle storage facility in Woodinville.

Police Chief Ken Subalik told the council the department began leasing the Woodinville site in September 2021 after the city’s former Shop 1 on Brickyard Road was demolished for WSDOT’s I‑405 expansion. Chief Subalik said the Woodinville site offers secure, heated indoor garage bays used for long‑term storage and evidence vehicle management, and it has also housed departmental training equipment.

Finance director review: Subalik said the new three‑year lease can be covered by the police department’s base budget; the finance director confirmed the budget can absorb the cost. The chief said the three‑year proposal preserves flexibility, locks in below‑market rental rates for the near term and avoids an expected $48,000 of relocation and build‑out costs over three years.

Council action: Council member Kurt moved to adopt a resolution authorizing the city manager to sign the letter of intent and direct staff to negotiate a lease under those terms; Council member Dodd seconded. The city clerk called the roll and the motion passed, 7‑0. The final negotiated lease will return to council for formal adoption.

Why it matters: The council’s vote preserves operational continuity for the police department’s evidence storage and training needs while deferring the city’s long‑term facility planning decision for up to three years. No relocation or additional capital funding was required by the motion.

Next steps: Staff will finalize negotiations under the letter of intent and bring the completed lease for council adoption at a future meeting.