Other than approving the 2020 budget, here’s what else happened today in Council Chambers.
This afternoon, the Council gave final approval to an extension of the city’s agreement with King County Metro for operation and maintenance of the First Hill and South Lake Union streetcars.
The Council also placed on indefinite hold Council member Herbold’s proposed update to the city’s hate crime ordinance. Herbold said this morning that she is still working through issues with the Mayor’s Office and community members.
This afternoon, the Seattle Metropolitan Parks District Board (which consists of the nine City Council members) voted to approve its 2020 budget and tax levy.
Council member Gonzalez updated her colleagues this morning on three upcoming meetings she is organizing:
- On December 5th at 5:30pm, there will be a public hearing to kick off the city’s next round of labor negotiations with SPOG. Under city law, before negotiations may commence, the city must hold a hearing to allow members of the community to provide city officials with input into the priorities for contract negotiations.
- On December 10th at 6pm, Gonzalez will be holding a “town hall” on her Clean Campaigns bill to restrict corporate PAC money.
- On December 11th in her committee meeting, Gonzalez will have a first discussion on her Clean Campaigns legislation, with an expert panel to discuss the background of the legislation and why they believe the city has legal authority to pursue it.
Today was Council member Pacheco’s last full day as a City Council member. Tomorrow evening, after King County certifies the election results, Alex Pedersen will be sworn in as the District 4 Council member. You may recall that Rob Johnson resigned in the spring, and Pacheco was appointed to fill his seat until a new Council member was elected. By city ordinance, Pedersen takes over from Pacheco once the results are certified.