Council approves electric‑motorcycle code, a budget amendment, settlement and a gas‑hedging authorization

The Eden Plus City Council took multiple formal actions at its July 13 meeting, adopting two ordinances, approving a settlement resolution and authorizing a natural‑gas hedging plan.

Ordinance 2839: the council approved the second reading of Ordinance 2839, an amendment to the Enumclaw city code establishing a new chapter on electric motorcycles. The city clerk read the ordinance title and Police Commander Tony Ryan delivered the staff report; committee members asked that public training on the new rules be publicized. A motion to adopt the ordinance was made, seconded and passed by voice vote.

Budget amendment (Ordinance 2841): Finance Director Kristen Reed presented the second reading of Ordinance 2841, the first 2026 budget amendment. Reed said she made small changes between readings, including adding $35,000 to purchase two digital reader boards to be paid from the street fund and split across affected funds according to IT budget percentages. She also noted the amendment reduces the Facilities Fund (Fund 35) reserve below the city’s reserve policy. The committee recommended approval; the council adopted the ordinance on second reading.

Settlement (Resolution 1883): City Attorney Joanna reported that the developer (referred to in the staff report as QMC/Cortera) and appellant David Grampa signed a settlement agreement in an appeal of a mixed‑use permit; she said the agreement contains no monetary obligations for the city and recommended council authorize the mayor to execute the settlement. The council recessed for a 10‑minute executive session under RCW 42.31.110(1)(i) to discuss litigation and then returned and approved Resolution 1883 by voice vote.

Gas hedging authorization: Public Works presented a motion to hedge natural‑gas exposure. The council authorized hedging 25 percent of expected use for summer 2030 at $3.10 per dekatherm (or better) and 25 percent of expected use for winter 2030–31 at $5.65 per dekatherm (or better), and authorized staff to extend agreements with carriers as needed; the motion was seconded (Council member Sorkin) and passed by voice vote.

Votes at a glance: all items taken to roll‑call voice vote (ayes recorded) passed. The council also approved the consent agenda and the minutes from the June 22 meeting earlier in the evening.

Why it matters: the budget amendment and gas‑hedging authorization affect the city’s fiscal and procurement posture; the settlement resolves an active appeal without monetary city payments, and the ordinance changes local vehicle regulation for electric motorcycles. Council members discussed training and fund reserve implications during deliberations.

What’s next: Reed and staff are available to answer follow‑ups on the budget and reserve implications, and the mayor was authorized to sign the settlement agreement.