Council appoints Andre Tessman, approves BP lift station contract and introduces economic development coordinator budget change

Snoqualmie — The City Council’s May 11 meeting concluded with a unanimous appointment and several administrative actions: Andre Tessman was appointed to fill City Council Position 6; the council awarded a construction contract for the BP pump station lift capacity project; and staff introduced an ordinance to amend the biennial budget to fund a new economic development coordinator position.

Council member Johnson moved to appoint Andre Tessman to fill the vacant Position 6; the motion passed by unanimous voice vote. "There are many highly qualified people in our community," Johnson said before making the appointment.

On the consent agenda, the council approved multiple items and then separately considered and passed a resolution awarding a construction contract to CR Construction for the BP pump station expansion. One council member recused from participation on that specific contract item.

Community and Economic Development Director Mona Davis described the proposed economic development coordinator as a staff position that would identify grant opportunities, monitor vacancies and retail needs, liaise with the Chamber of Commerce and business community, and coordinate human services work. Finance Director Drew Boutte said staff plan to fund the position by transferring recurring construction sales tax and utility tax revenue back to the general fund in future years but that an estimated $63,000 in general‑fund cash would be required to support the role through the end of 2026.

Council members requested further committee (FNA) review of funding details and how the new position would be managed. The ordinance was introduced for first reading and staff said they will return with a second reading and additional financial detail.