Seattle council previews votes on shelter census and World Cup grants, flags public-safety and water-rate work

Seattle City Council members used a May 4 briefing to preview several committee actions and local priorities, including a shelter-census vote, a pending World Cup grants bill, ongoing public-safety efforts and a request to King County on wastewater rates.

Council President Hollingsworth opened the meeting and, after a roll call that found seven members present (Council members Juarez and Lynn were excused), said the council would cancel its May 11 briefing and the full council meeting set for May 26 because of the Memorial Day week schedule. He also announced a governance and utilities committee meeting on May 14 that will include reappointments and stormwater code updates.

"We are going to propose to have central staff come and do an affordability meeting to talk about all of the legislation that has passed," Hollingsworth said, citing cumulative effects on households from measures such as the library levy and other items. He said he and Council member Lynn are preparing a letter asking King County to lower a proposed wastewater rate increase from 12.75% to 10.75% for the year.

Co…