Seattle City Council
2008 Significant Vote Log

Introduction

The Significant Vote Log includes a brief summary and the final vote on selected legislation before the Seattle City Council. Items selected include those which have generated significant media and/or public interest, those for which the full Council vote was not unanimous, and all votes on confirmation of the Mayor's appointment of City department heads and Municipal Court judges. The log does not include all the details contained within any piece of legislation, nor does it include votes on amendments that may have been proposed to the legislation. The minutes of each meeting contain a record of votes on amendments. To view the minutes of the meeting at which the issue was voted upon, use the link to the minutes. To view the entire text of legislation identified in the Log, use the link to the identifying number of the legislation (Council Bill or Resolution).

For questions regarding the Significant Vote Log, please contact Theresa Dunbar, City Clerk's Office, (206) 684-8142 or at Theresa.dunbar@seattle.gov

Abbreviations

Y: Affirmative vote
N: Negative vote
A: Abstained from vote
--: Absent from meeting

Issue/Summary: Approved the committee structure, membership and meeting times of the standing committee of the City Council for 2008 and 2009.

Title of Legislation:
A RESOLUTION relating to committee structure, membership and meeting times of the standing committees of the Seattle City Council for 2008 and 2009 and superseding Resolution 30838.

Vote:
          Burgess: Yes
          Clark: Yes
          Conlin: Yes
          Drago: Yes
          Godden: Yes
          Harrell: Yes
          Licata: Yes
          McIver: Yes
          Rasmussen: Yes

Issue/Summary: Established overall goals for the Office of City Auditor's work program; a process to be used by the City Auditor to continually update the work program.

Title of Legislation:
A RESOLUTION Establishing overall goals for the Office of City Auditor's work program; establishing a process to be used by the City Auditor to continually update the work program; authorizing the City Auditor to make the final decisions regarding the content of the work program; and superseding Resolution 30175.

Vote:
          Burgess: Yes
          Clark: Yes
          Conlin: Yes
          Drago: Yes
          Godden: Yes
          Harrell: Yes
          Licata: Yes
          McIver: Yes
          Rasmussen: Yes

Issue/Summary: Endorsed the Policy and Procedures of the Office of City Auditor.

Title of Legislation:
A RESOLUTION endorsing and supporting the Policy and Procedures of the Office of City Auditor.

Vote:
          Burgess: Yes
          Clark: Yes
          Conlin: Yes
          Drago: Yes
          Godden: Yes
          Harrell: Yes
          Licata: Yes
          McIver: Yes
          Rasmussen: Yes

Issue/Summary: Endorsed the King County Public Health Operational Master Plan Policy Framework and Operational and Financing Recommendations.

Title of Legislation:
A RESOLUTION endorsing the King County Public Health Operational Master Plan Policy Framework and Operational and Financing Recommendations.

Vote:
          Burgess: Yes
          Clark: Yes
          Conlin: Yes
          Drago: Yes
          Godden: Yes
          Harrell: Yes
          Licata: Yes
          McIver: Yes
          Rasmussen: Yes

Issue/Summary: Approved a Seattle Streetcar Network Concept indicating potential routes for further study and analysis and outlining a City Council review process to determine the feasibility of developing all or portions of a streetcar network in Seattle.

Title of Legislation:
A RESOLUTION approving a Seattle Streetcar Network Concept indicating potential routes for further study and analysis and outlining a City Council review process to determine whether it is feasible to develop all or portions of a streetcar network in Seattle.

Vote:
          Burgess: Yes
          Clark: Yes
          Conlin: Yes
          Drago: Yes
          Godden: Yes
          Harrell: Yes
          Licata: Yes
          McIver: Yes
          Rasmussen: Yes

Issue/Summary: Urged adoption of legislation relating to executive session recordings during the 2008 Session of the Washington State Legislature.

Title of Legislation:
A RESOLUTION urging adoption of legislation relating to executive session recordings during the 2008 session of the Washington State Legislature.

Vote:
          Burgess: Yes
          Clark: Yes
          Conlin: Yes
          Drago: Yes
          Godden: Yes
          Harrell: Yes
          Licata: Yes
          McIver: Yes
          Rasmussen: Yes

Issue/Summary: Requested that the Executive move forward to negotiate a new lease for the Seattle Storm's use of the Key Arena at Seattle Center.

Title of Legislation:
A RESOLUTION related to women's professional basketball and providing guidance for negotiating terms for a lease of the KeyArena at Seattle Center.

Vote:
          Burgess: Yes
          Clark: Yes
          Conlin: Yes
          Drago: Yes
          Godden: Yes
          Harrell: Yes
          Licata: Yes
          McIver: Yes
          Rasmussen: Yes

Issue/Summary: Approved a work program for study and analysis of the Seattle Streetcar Network Concept and removed a budget proviso that restricts spending on streetcar network analysis.

Title of Legislation:
AN ORDINANCE approving a work program for study and analysis of the Seattle Streetcar Network Concept and removing a budget proviso that restricts spending on streetcar network analysis.

Vote:
          Burgess: Yes
          Clark: Yes
          Conlin: Yes
          Drago: Yes
          Godden: Yes
          Harrell: Yes
          Licata: Yes
          McIver: Yes
          Rasmussen: Yes

Issue/Summary: Stated the Seattle City Council’s support for the Seattle Opera’s proposed development and ground lease of the Mercer Arena site at the Seattle Center, highlighted potential development options along Mercer Street at the project site, and provided suggestions on possible public use of space at the facility and educational and vocational programs for Seattle city residents.

Title of Legislation:
A RESOLUTION relating to the Seattle Center Department; expressing support for a proposed 30-year ground lease of the site containing the Mercer Arena and an accompanying development proposal, both by the Seattle Opera; and expressing the desires of the City Council regarding site development.

Vote:
          Burgess: Yes
          Clark: Excused
          Conlin: Yes
          Drago: Yes
          Godden: Excused
          Harrell: Yes
          Licata: Yes
          McIver: Excused
          Rasmussen: Yes

Issue/Summary: Authorized a lease agreement with Seattle Opera for the Mercer Arena site to house the Opera's administrative offices, rehearsal spaces, and technical facilities. 

Title of Legislation:
AN ORDINANCE relating to the Seattle Center Department; authorizing execution of a ground lease with Seattle Opera for property that includes Mercer Arena at Seattle Center.

Vote:
          Burgess: Yes
          Clark: Excused
          Conlin: Yes
          Drago: Yes
          Godden: Excused
          Harrell: Yes
          Licata: Yes
          McIver: Excused
          Rasmussen: Yes

Issue/Summary: Adopted the Seattle City Council 2008 Work Program.

Title of Legislation:
A RESOLUTION adopting the Seattle City Council 2008 Work Program.

Vote:
          Burgess: Yes
          Clark: Yes
          Conlin: Yes
          Drago: Yes
          Godden: Yes
          Harrell: Yes
          Licata: Yes
          McIver: Yes
          Rasmussen: Yes

Issue/Summary: Adopted Statements of Legislative Intent for the 2008 Adopted Budget and 2008-2013 Adopted Capital Improvement Program (CIP), and Budget Guidance Statements for the 2009-2010 Proposed Budget.

Title of Legislation:
A RESOLUTION adopting Statements of Legislative Intent (SLIs) for the 2008 Adopted Budget and 2008-2013 Adopted Capital Improvement Program (CIP), and Budget Guidance Statements (BUGS) for the 2009-2010 Proposed Budget.

Vote:
          Burgess: Yes
          Clark: Yes
          Conlin: Yes
          Drago: Yes
          Godden: Yes
          Harrell: Yes
          Licata: Yes
          McIver: Yes
          Rasmussen: Yes

Issue/Summary: Confirmed the appointment of Julie Nelson as Director, Seattle Office for Civil Rights.

Title of Legislation:
Appointment and Oath of Office of Julie Nelson as Director, Seattle Office for Civil Rights.

Vote:
          Burgess: Yes
          Clark: Yes
          Conlin: Yes
          Drago: Yes
          Godden: Yes
          Harrell: Yes
          Licata: Yes
          McIver: Yes
          Rasmussen: Yes

Issue/Summary: Confirmed the appointment of Emelie East as Director, Office of Intergovernmental Relations.

Title of Legislation:
Appointment and Oath of Office of Emelie East as Director, Office of Intergovernmental Relations.

Vote:
          Burgess: Yes
          Clark: Yes
          Conlin: Yes
          Drago: Yes
          Godden: Yes
          Harrell: Yes
          Licata: Yes
          McIver: Yes
          Rasmussen: Yes

Issue/Summary: Required lobbyists who are compensated for lobbying, and employer's of lobbyists, to register with the City’s Ethics and Elections Commission,

Title of Legislation:
AN ORDINANCE concerning the regulation of lobbying; establishing certain duties, registration and reporting requirements, restrictions and penalties; setting forth powers and duties of the Ethics and Elections Commission and the Executive Director thereof; setting forth procedures relating to complaints and investigations concerning alleged violations; adding a new Chapter 2.06; amending certain sections of Chapter 2.04; and amending Section 3.70.100 of the Seattle Municipal Code.

Vote:
          Burgess: Yes
          Clark: Yes
          Conlin: Yes
          Drago: Yes
          Godden: Yes
          Harrell: Yes
          Licata: Yes
          McIver: Yes
          Rasmussen: Yes

Issue/Summary: Authorized an interfund loan to allow the Seattle Department of Transportation to move forward with the accelerated design and construction of paving improvements on the downtown core arterials before the Alaskan Way Viaduct replacement project gets underway in 2012.

Title of Legislation:
AN ORDINANCE relating to financing certain capital activities of Seattle Department of Transportation; authorizing the loan of funds from the City's Consolidated (Residual) Cash Pool, or its participating funds, to the Transportation Master Fund; making appropriations; and amending the 2008-2013 Capital Improvement Program; all by a three-fourths vote of the City Council.

Vote:
          Burgess: Yes
          Clark: Yes
          Conlin: Yes
          Drago: Yes
          Godden: Yes
          Harrell: Yes
          Licata: Yes
          McIver: Yes
          Rasmussen: Yes

Issue/Summary: Adopted the 2008 work program for the Office of Housing.

Title of Legislation:
A RESOLUTION establishing the 2008 work program for the Office of Housing.

Vote:
          Burgess: Yes
          Clark: Yes
          Conlin: Yes
          Drago: Yes
          Godden: Yes
          Harrell: Yes
          Licata: Excused
          McIver: Yes
          Rasmussen: Yes

Issue/Summary: Provided funding for an analysis of and potential future improvements to City customer access and service issues.

Title of Legislation:
AN ORDINANCE relating to customer service improvements; abrogating an unexpended allowance in the 2008 Budget of Finance General; and reappropriating the unexpended allowance to the 2008 Budget of the Department of Executive Administration.

Vote:
          Burgess: Yes
          Clark: Yes
          Conlin: Yes
          Drago: Yes
          Godden: Yes
          Harrell: Yes
          Licata: Excused
          McIver: Yes
          Rasmussen: Yes

Issue/Summary: Authorized agreements for the collection and transfer of solid waste in the City of Seattle.

Title of Legislation:
AN ORDINANCE authorizing the Director of Seattle Public Utilities to enter into contracts with Waste Management of Washington, Inc. and CleanScapes, Inc. to provide solid waste collection and transfer services in the City of Seattle.

Vote:
          Burgess: Yes
          Clark: Yes
          Conlin: Yes
          Drago: Yes
          Godden: Yes
          Harrell: Yes
          Licata: Yes
          McIver: Yes
          Rasmussen: Yes

Issue/Summary: Accelerated by two years the schedule for the Maple Leaf Reservoir Covering project.

Title of Legislation:
AN ORDINANCE relating to Seattle Public Utilities, removing a budget proviso that limits spending of an appropriation in Seattle Public Utilities' Water Quality and Treatment Budget Control Level in the 2008 Adopted Budget.

Vote:
          Burgess: Yes
          Clark: Yes
          Conlin: Yes
          Drago: Yes
          Godden: Yes
          Harrell: Yes
          Licata: Yes
          McIver: Yes
          Rasmussen: Yes

Issue/Summary: Authorized the Department of Planning and Development to accept up to $350,000 from public and private sources to fund consultant assistance to analyze the environmental impacts of potential zoning changes in the South Lake Union Urban Center.

Title of Legislation:
AN ORDINANCE authorizing acceptance of donations from public and private sources in support of South Lake Union Urban Center planning efforts, and increasing appropriation authority in the 2008 Adopted Budget contingent upon receipt of said donations.

Vote:
          Burgess: Yes
          Clark: Yes
          Conlin: Yes
          Drago: Yes
          Godden: Yes
          Harrell: Excused
          Licata: Yes
          McIver: Yes
          Rasmussen: Yes

Issue/Summary: Identified proposed Comprehensive Plan amendments to be considered for possible adoption in 2008, and requested that the Department of Planning and Development and Seattle Planning Commission review and make recommendations about the amendments to the Council.

Title of Legislation:
A RESOLUTION identifying proposed Comprehensive Plan amendments to be considered for possible adoption in 2008, and requesting that the Department of Planning and Development and Seattle Planning Commission review and make recommendations about the amendments to the Council.

Vote:
          Burgess: Yes
          Clark: Yes
          Conlin: Yes
          Drago: Yes
          Godden: Yes
          Harrell: Yes
          Licata: Excused
          McIver: Yes
          Rasmussen: Yes

Issue/Summary: Authorized acquisition of property at the southwest corner of 8th Avenue and Madison Street for open space, park, and recreation purposes.

Title of Legislation:
AN ORDINANCE relating to the Neighborhood Parks, Green Spaces, Trails and Zoo Levy; authorizing the acquisition of real property commonly known as 8th & Madison; otherwise known as Lots 2 and 3, Block 54, Terry's First Addition to the Town of Seattle, according to the plat thereof recorded in Volume 1 of Plats, page 49, in King County, Washington; authorizing acceptance of the deed for open space, park, and recreation purposes; and authorizing acquisition by condemnation.

Vote:
          Burgess: Yes
          Clark: Yes
          Conlin: Yes
          Drago: Yes
          Godden: Yes
          Harrell: Yes
          Licata: Excused
          McIver: Yes
          Rasmussen: Yes

Issue/Summary: Created a citizens committee to advise the council on whether to pursue a new parks levy, and what types of projects to propose for funding, if such a levy is proposed.

Title of Legislation:
A RESOLUTION relating to the Department of Parks and Recreation; creating a citizens' advisory committee to ensure citizen participation in the development of a potential package of parks, open space, boulevards, trails, green infrastructure, and recreation projects and a proposed set of options to fund the package of projects.

Vote:
          Burgess: Yes
          Clark: Yes
          Conlin: Yes
          Drago: Yes
          Godden: Yes
          Harrell: Yes
          Licata: Excused
          McIver: No
          Rasmussen: Yes

Issue/Summary: Increased the threshold levels that determine which development proposals require environmental review

Title of Legislation:
AN ORDINANCE related to land use and zoning, amending Sections 23.41.004, 23.54.015, 23.76.012, 25.05.800, 25.05.908 and 25.08.425 of the Seattle Municipal Code (SMC) and adding a new section 23.42.044, to change environmental review thresholds for minor new construction, expressed as categorical exemptions in Seattle's SEPA ordinance, amending related Land Use Code and other provisions pertaining to design review, construction-related noise, construction worker parking, notice requirements, and correcting errors and omissions.

Vote:
          Burgess: Yes
          Clark: Yes
          Conlin: Yes
          Drago: Yes
          Godden: Yes
          Harrell: Yes
          Licata: Excused
          McIver: Yes
          Rasmussen: Yes

Issue/Summary: Established goals, created a policy framework, and identified planning, analysis and actions to strengthen Seattle's food system sustainability and security.

Title of Legislation:
A RESOLUTION establishing goals, creating a policy framework, and identifying planning, analysis and actions for the purpose of strengthening Seattle's food system sustainability and security.

Vote:
          Burgess: Yes
          Clark: Yes
          Conlin: Yes
          Drago: Yes
          Godden: No
          Harrell: Yes
          Licata: Yes
          McIver: No
          Rasmussen: Yes

Issue/Summary: Adopted a Stormwater Facility Credit program to reduce the drainage service charge on parcels within the City of Seattle that have installed approved stormwater management facilities such as detention vaults, green roofs, and bioswales. 

Title of Legislation:
AN ORDINANCE relating to drainage services of Seattle Public Utilities; establishing a stormwater facility credit to reduce drainage service charges for parcels with approved stormwater management facilities; updating definitions, revising the performance requirements for rainwater harvesting systems qualifying for drainage service charge reductions, revising the basis for bill adjustment requests and revising the right of entry for inspection in connection with the credit program; and amending Chapter 21.33 of the Seattle Municipal Code.

Vote:
          Burgess: Yes
          Clark: Yes
          Conlin: Yes
          Drago: Yes
          Godden: Yes
          Harrell: Yes
          Licata: Yes
          McIver: Yes
          Rasmussen: Yes

Issue/Summary: Established an ad-hoc advisory group to provide the Mayor and Council with recommendations regarding the implementation of a campaign public financing program for the City of Seattle.

Title of Legislation:
A RESOLUTION establishing the Campaign Public Financing Advisory Committee.

Vote:
          Burgess: Yes
          Clark: Excused
          Conlin: Yes
          Drago: Yes
          Godden: Yes
          Harrell: Yes
          Licata: Yes
          McIver: No
          Rasmussen: Yes

Issue/Summary: Adopted the Human Services Department Strategic Investment Plan Update for 2008 to 2010.

Title of Legislation:
A RESOLUTION adopting the Seattle Human Services Department Strategic Investment Plan Update 2008-2010 for the City of Seattle.

Vote:
          Burgess: Yes
          Clark: Yes
          Conlin: Yes
          Drago: Yes
          Godden: Yes
          Harrell: Yes
          Licata: Yes
          McIver: Yes
          Rasmussen: Yes

Issue/Summary: Authorized the Office of Housing to fund a limited home foreclosure prevention program for low- income homeowners at risk of losing their homes due to foreclosure or default. 

Title of Legislation:
AN ORDINANCE relating to foreclosure prevention; establishing policies for a foreclosure prevention program; clarifying and limiting the authority of the Office of Housing to use a 2008 Budget allowance for the program; imposing a proviso; and ratifying and confirming prior acts.

Vote:
          Burgess: Yes
          Clark: Yes
          Conlin: Yes
          Drago: Yes
          Godden: Yes
          Harrell: Yes
          Licata: Yes
          McIver: Yes
          Rasmussen: Yes

Issue/Summary: Increased appropriations for the Mercer Corridor Project, and the Spokane Street Viaduct Project.

Title of Legislation:
AN ORDINANCE relating to financing certain capital activities of Seattle Department of Transportation; increasing appropriations to the Department of Transportation in the 2008 Budget; and amending the 2008-2013 Capital Improvement Program; all by a three-fourths vote of the City Council.

Vote:
          Burgess: Yes
          Clark: Yes
          Conlin: Yes
          Drago: Yes
          Godden: Yes
          Harrell: Yes
          Licata: No
          McIver: Yes
          Rasmussen: Yes

Issue/Summary: Set out joint Council-Mayoral policy priorities to be the focus of the Office of Policy and Management’s (OPM) work in 2008 and 2009.

Title of Legislation:
A RESOLUTION establishing joint City Council-Mayor policy priority areas for the Office of Policy and Management for 2008 and 2009.

Vote:
          Burgess: Excused
          Clark: Yes
          Conlin: Yes
          Drago: Excused
          Godden: Yes
          Harrell: Excused
          Licata: Yes
          McIver: Yes
          Rasmussen: Excused

Issue/Summary: Endorsed the Seattle Public Utilities' recommendations of the automated public toilet program and requested the termination of the program and the development of alternative public toilet services.

Title of Legislation:
A RESOLUTION endorsing the recommendations of an evaluation of the automated public toilet program and requesting the termination of the program and the development of alternative public toilet services.

Vote:
          Burgess: Excused
          Clark: Yes
          Conlin: Yes
          Drago: Excused
          Godden: Yes
          Harrell: Excused
          Licata: Yes
          McIver: Yes
          Rasmussen: Excused

Issue/Summary: Increased the legal authorization for issuing limited tax general obligation (LTGO) bonds in 2008 from $36.6 million to $92.6 million to provide additional debt financing for transportation projects in the City’s Capital Improvement Program, and redirected $16.3 million of bonds originally issued in 2007 for the Zoo Garage to the Mercer Corridor project.

Title of Legislation:
AN ORDINANCE relating to contracting indebtedness; amending Ordinance 122286 and Ordinance 122553 to revise and add to the projects authorized to be financed by the issuance and sale of limited tax general obligation bonds of the City and accordingly to increase the authorized maximum principal amount of those bonds; increasing appropriations to the Seattle Department of Transportation in the 2008 Budget; and making a cash transfer from the 2007 Multipurpose LTGO Bond Fund to the Transportation Operating Fund.

Vote:
          Burgess: Excused
          Clark: Yes
          Conlin: Yes
          Drago: Excused
          Godden: Yes
          Harrell: Yes
          Licata: No
          McIver: Yes
          Rasmussen: Excused

Issue/Summary: Endorsed the NW Diversion and Washington Park Storage Alternative for long-tem flood control in the Madison Valley, (redirects approximately one-third of the storm flows from the NW part of the drainage basin to a storage facility in Washington Park and expands the existing above-ground storage facility at 30th Ave. E and E. John St.)

Title of Legislation:
AN ORDINANCE relating to stormwater and flood control by Seattle Public Utilities; selecting a preferred alternative for implementing a long-term flood control project in Madison Valley, and removing a proviso in the 2008 City Budget that limits expenditures on that project.

Vote:
          Burgess: Yes
          Clark: Yes
          Conlin: Yes
          Drago: Yes
          Godden: Yes
          Harrell: Yes
          Licata: Yes
          McIver: Excused
          Rasmussen: Yes

Issue/Summary: Released funds for purchasing and installing surveillance cameras in designated City parks. 

Title of Legislation:
AN ORDINANCE relating to the Department of Parks and Recreation; lifting a budget proviso restricting the expenditure of an appropriation in the 2008 Adopted Budget; authorizing the installation of surveillance cameras in City Parks; and reducing appropriations no longer needed for cameras at Cal Anderson Park.

Vote:
          Burgess: Yes
          Clark: Yes
          Conlin: Excused
          Drago: Yes
          Godden: Yes
          Harrell: Yes
          Licata: Yes
          McIver: No
          Rasmussen: Yes

Issue/Summary: Authorizes a pilot program to place 12 surveillance cameras in four Seattle parks:  Cal Anderson, Hing Hay, Occidental Square, and Victor Steinbrueck, and established a City protocol to govern the installation and use of the cameras for the duration of the pilot program. 

Title of Legislation:
AN ORDINANCE relating to surveillance cameras in Seattle parks: authorizing a pilot program to install surveillance cameras in selected parks; adopting City policies regarding the installation and use of such cameras; and establishing a new Chapter 18.14 in the Seattle Municipal Code.

Vote:
          Burgess: Yes
          Clark: Yes
          Conlin: Excused
          Drago: Yes
          Godden: Yes
          Harrell: Yes
          Licata: Yes
          McIver: Yes
          Rasmussen: Yes

Issue/Summary: Brought the Seattle motel registration ordinance into compliance with state law requiring registration, and identifying acceptable forms of identification for guests registering at motels and hotels in the city of Seattle.

Title of Legislation:
AN ORDINANCE relating to guest registration at Motels and Hotels in the City of Seattle; amending Seattle Municipal Code Section 6.98.020 to comply with the State and recent court rulings.

Vote:
          Burgess: Yes
          Clark: Yes
          Conlin: Excused
          Drago: Yes
          Godden: Excused
          Harrell: Yes
          Licata: Excused
          McIver: Yes
          Rasmussen: Yes

Issue/Summary: Confirmed the reappointment of Jorge Carrasco as Superintendent of Seattle City Light.

Title of Legislation:
Reappointment and Oath of Office of Jorge Carrasco as Superintendent of Seattle City Light.

Vote:
          Burgess: Yes
          Clark: Yes
          Conlin: Yes
          Drago: Yes
          Godden: Yes
          Harrell: Yes
          Licata: Yes
          McIver: Yes
          Rasmussen: Excused

Issue/Summary: Adopted the City Council's budget goals for the 2009 and 2010 budgets.

Title of Legislation:
A RESOLUTION adopting the City Council's budget goals for the 2009 and 2010 budgets.

Vote:
          Burgess: Yes
          Clark: Yes
          Conlin: Yes
          Drago: Yes
          Godden: Yes
          Harrell: Yes
          Licata: Yes
          McIver: Yes
          Rasmussen: Excused

Issue/Summary: Provided authority to use automated traffic safety cameras to detect speed violations in school zones, and provided that the penalty for violations would be the same as the penalty for the same violations detected by a police officer.

Title of Legislation:
AN ORDINANCE relating to enforcement of traffic infractions and amending Seattle Municipal Code Section 11.31.090 and Seattle Municipal Code Subsection 11.31.120 C to provide that violations of Seattle Municipal Code Section 11.52.100 may be enforced through the use of evidence detected by an automated traffic safety camera and providing penalties for such violations.

Vote:
          Burgess: Yes
          Clark: Yes
          Conlin: Yes
          Drago: Yes
          Godden: Yes
          Harrell: Yes
          Licata: Yes
          McIver: Yes
          Rasmussen: Excused

Issue/Summary: Authorized three-year public defense contracts with three non-profit indigent public defender agencies.

Title of Legislation:
AN ORDINANCE concerning indigent public defense services; authorizing the Director of the Department of Executive Administration to execute indigent public defense contracts with the Associated Counsel for the Accused (ACA), The Defender Association (TDA), and Northwest Defenders Association (NDA) for a period of three years; and ratifying and confirming certain prior acts.

Vote:
          Burgess: Yes
          Clark: Yes
          Conlin: Yes
          Drago: Yes
          Godden: Yes
          Harrell: Yes
          Licata: Yes
          McIver: Yes
          Rasmussen: Excused

Issue/Summary: Revised and clarified regulations regarding use of the public right-of-way for construction on private property, removing the requirement for property owners applying for a construction permit to obtain permission from neighboring landowners in order to use public right-of-way that extends beyond the immediately adjoining property of the applicant.

Title of Legislation:
AN ORDINANCE relating to the use of public right-of-way for construction on private property; amending Seattle Municipal Code Section 15.22.020.

Vote:
          Burgess: Yes
          Clark: Yes
          Conlin: Yes
          Drago: Yes
          Godden: Yes
          Harrell: Yes
          Licata: Yes
          McIver: Yes
          Rasmussen: Excused

Issue/Summary: Requested extension of the City's tree protection efforts to identify, consider, recognize and protect groves or groups of trees that provide rare, uncommon, unique or exceptional plant or wildlife habitat, or wildlife travelways, or habitat diversity for plant species of substantial aesthetic, educational, ecological or economic value in evaluating and mitigating development proposals, and extended the City’s tree protection to include groves or groups of trees that are ecologically interdependent, including groups that may contain exceptional trees as defined in SMC chapter 25.11.

Title of Legislation:
A RESOLUTION requesting the Director of the Department of Planning and Development to submit legislation to extend the City's tree protection efforts to include groves or groups of trees or other vegetation that are determined to have substantial ecological, educational, or economic value and to update existing Director's Rules in support of these efforts.

Vote:
          Burgess: Yes
          Clark: Yes
          Conlin: Yes
          Drago: Yes
          Godden: Yes
          Harrell: Yes
          Licata: Yes
          McIver: Yes
          Rasmussen: Excused

Issue/Summary: Increased the amount of relocation assistance paid by developers converting rental housing into condominiums, (from $500 to three times the monthly rent) to tenants earning 80% or less of median income, and in certain instances, required developers to pay additional relocation assistance to elderly or special needs tenants, increased penalties, and added a reporting requirement.

Title of Legislation:
AN ORDINANCE relating to the regulation of conversion condominiums; amending Seattle Municipal Code Section 22.206.160 and Chapter 22.903, and adding new sections.

Vote:
          Burgess: Yes
          Clark: Yes
          Conlin: Yes
          Drago: Yes
          Godden: Yes
          Harrell: Yes
          Licata: Yes
          McIver: Yes
          Rasmussen: Excused

Issue/Summary: Expanded the Multifamily Tax Exemption Program to target housing for people who earn 80 to 120 percent of median income, and expanded the number of neighborhoods where developers can qualify, from 17 to 39.

Title of Legislation:
AN ORDINANCE relating to the Multifamily Tax Exemption Program; amending Sections 5.73.010, 5.73.020, 5.73.030, 5.73.040, 5.73.050, 5.73.065, 5.73.070, 5.73.090, 5.73.100, and 5.73.120 of the Seattle Municipal Code.

Vote:
          Burgess: Yes
          Clark: Yes
          Conlin: Yes
          Drago: Yes
          Godden: Yes
          Harrell: Yes
          Licata: No
          McIver: Yes
          Rasmussen: Excused

Issue/Summary: Provided for increases to the current taximeter rates and to the flat fee charge for taxi service from the downtown hotel district to Seattle-Tacoma Airport from $28.00 to $32.00, effective June 1, 2008.

Title of Legislation:
AN ORDINANCE relating to taxicabs; increasing the taximeter rates for taxicabs licensed to operate in Seattle; increasing the flat rate from the downtown hotel district to the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport; adding a special rate penalty; and amending Section 6.310.530 of the Seattle Municipal Code.

Vote:
          Burgess: Yes
          Clark: Yes
          Conlin: Yes
          Drago: Yes
          Godden: Yes
          Harrell: Yes
          Licata: Yes
          McIver: Yes
          Rasmussen: Excused

Issue/Summary: Approved termination of the Key Arena lease between the City and Professional Basketball Club, LLC under the terms set forth in the Settlement Agreement Memorandum of Understanding.

Title of Legislation:
AN ORDINANCE relating to the Premises Use and Occupancy Agreement between the City of Seattle and the Professional Basketball Club, LLC: approving termination of the Agreement in accordance with the Professional Basketball Club, LLC and City of Seattle Settlement Agreement Memorandum of Understanding; and repealing Ordinance No. 122492.

Vote:
          Burgess: Yes
          Clark: Excused
          Conlin: Yes
          Drago: Yes
          Godden: Yes
          Harrell: Yes
          Licata: Yes
          McIver: Yes
          Rasmussen: Yes

Issue/Summary: Amended the Environmentally Critical Area and Stormwater, Grading and Drainage Control Codes to create a peat settlement-prone area designation, and provide for development standards.

Title of Legislation:
AN ORDINANCE relating to environmentally critical areas, amending Sections 22.802.020, 23.47A.012, 23.47A.013, 23.54.020, 25.09.015, 25.09.020, 25.09.030, 25.09.055, and 25.09.520, and adding a new Section 25.09.110 of the Seattle Municipal Code to designate and regulate Peat Settlement-prone Geologic Hazard Areas.

Vote:
          Burgess: Yes
          Clark: Excused
          Conlin: Yes
          Drago: Yes
          Godden: Yes
          Harrell: Yes
          Licata: Yes
          McIver: Yes
          Rasmussen: Yes

Issue/Summary: Approved placement on the November 4, 2008 general election ballot, a property tax levy lid lift for infrastructure improvements to Pike Place Market Preservation and Development Authority-owned Market buildings.

Title of Legislation:
AN ORDINANCE relating to regular property taxes; providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City at an election to be held on November 4, 2008, of a proposition authorizing the City to levy regular property taxes in excess of the limitation on levies in Chapter 84.55 RCW for the purpose of renovating the Pike Place Market and its environs; authorizing the Executive to enter into an agreement with the Pike Place Market Preservation and Development Authority; creating a new fund in the City Treasury; providing for interim financing pending tax receipts; and ratifying and confirming certain prior acts.

Vote:
          Burgess: Yes
          Clark: Excused
          Conlin: Yes
          Drago: Yes
          Godden: Yes
          Harrell: Yes
          Licata: Yes
          McIver: Yes
          Rasmussen: Yes

Issue/Summary: Confirmed the Reappointment of Sue A. Tanner as City Hearing Examiner.

Title of Legislation:
Reappointment and Oath of Office of Sue A. Tanner as Hearing Examiner, for a term of confirmation to July 21, 2012.

Vote:
          Burgess: Yes
          Clark: Excused
          Conlin: Yes
          Drago: Yes
          Godden: Yes
          Harrell: Yes
          Licata: Yes
          McIver: Excused
          Rasmussen: Yes

Issue/Summary: Requested the Superintendent of Parks and Recreation to develop a Management Plan for Council review that sets outs the schedule for project implementation; identifies the key positions that will manage the programs and projects funded under the levy lid lift; and describes each position’s specific role in levy implementation.

Title of Legislation:
A RESOLUTION relating to the levy lid lift to be submitted to the voters by the ordinance that was introduced as Council Bill 116274; requesting a Management Plan; and requesting the Mayor and various City departments to undertake actions to address the policy and program recommendations of the Parks and Green Spaces Levy Citizens' Advisory Committee.

Vote:
          Burgess: Yes
          Clark: Excused
          Conlin: Yes
          Drago: Yes
          Godden: Yes
          Harrell: Yes
          Licata: Yes
          McIver: Excused
          Rasmussen: Yes

Issue/Summary: Submitted to the voters of Seattle at the November, 2008 general election, a proposal for a $145.5 million, six-year property tax levy for the purpose of improving and expanding the city’s parks and green spaces.

Title of Legislation:
AN ORDINANCE relating to additional regular property taxes; providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City at a special election on November 4, 2008, of a proposition authorizing the City to levy regular property taxes for up to six (6) years in excess of the limitation on levies in Chapter 84.55 RCW for the purposes of acquiring, developing, or restoring parks, recreation facilities, cultural facilities, green spaces, playfields, trails, community gardens, and shoreline areas; providing for interim financing pending tax receipts; creating a citizens levy oversight committee; creating a new fund; and ratifying and confirming certain prior acts.

Vote:
          Burgess: Yes
          Clark: Excused
          Conlin: Yes
          Drago: Yes
          Godden: Yes
          Harrell: Yes
          Licata: Yes
          McIver: Excused
          Rasmussen: Yes

Issue/Summary: Revised the original language of the “Support for High Risk Middle and High School Age Youth (High Risk Youth) Program” within the Families and Education Levy’s Implementation and Evaluation Plan to shift a portion of the Plan’s focus to a high school academic achievement strategy.

Title of Legislation:
AN ORDINANCE relating to Educational and Developmental Services; approving amendments to an implementation and evaluation plan originally approved by Ordinance 121815, as required by Ordinance 121529, and ratifying and confirming certain prior acts.

Vote:
          Burgess: Yes
          Clark: Excused
          Conlin: Yes
          Drago: Yes
          Godden: Yes
          Harrell: Yes
          Licata: Yes
          McIver: Excused
          Rasmussen: Yes

Issue/Summary: Authorized the disbursement of $175,000 to 15 grantees for the purpose of increasing citizens’ technology access and literacy, and for increasing civic engagement using information technologies.

Title of Legislation:
AN ORDINANCE relating to the Technology Matching Fund Program; making allocations and authorizing implementation of certain Technology Matching Fund projects in 2008; providing that 2008 appropriations for the Technology Matching Fund from the Cable Television Franchise Subfund and from the Information Technology Fund shall automatically carry forward into the 2009 fiscal year; and ratifying and confirming certain prior acts.

Vote:
          Burgess: Yes
          Clark: Excused
          Conlin: Yes
          Drago: Yes
          Godden: Yes
          Harrell: Yes
          Licata: Yes
          McIver: Excused
          Rasmussen: Yes

Issue/Summary: Expanded and enhanced participation for Seattle City Light customers who choose to net meter. 

Title of Legislation:
AN ORDINANCE relating to the City Light Department net metering program and customer meter aggregation and amending Chapter 21.49 of the Seattle Municipal Code to conform with amendments to Chapter 80.60 of the Revised Code of Washington.

Vote:
          Burgess: Yes
          Clark: Excused
          Conlin: Yes
          Drago: Yes
          Godden: Yes
          Harrell: Yes
          Licata: Yes
          McIver: Excused
          Rasmussen: Yes

Issue/Summary: Implemented recommendations made by the 2007 Police Accountability Review Panel and clarified the roles of and relationships among the Office of Professional Accountability (OPA), OPA Auditor and OPA Review Board.

Title of Legislation:
AN ORDINANCE relating to the Office of Professional Accountability, Office of Professional Accountability Auditor and Office of Professional Accountability Review Board; amending Seattle Municipal Code Chapter 3.28 Subchapters VII, VIII and IX; and ratifying and confirming certain prior acts.

Vote:
          Burgess: Yes
          Clark: Excused
          Conlin: Yes
          Drago: Yes
          Godden: Yes
          Harrell: Yes
          Licata: Yes
          McIver: Excused
          Rasmussen: Yes

Issue/Summary: Allocated funds for 14 projects in the 2008 Neighborhood Matching Subfund Large Projects Fund. 

Title of Legislation:
AN ORDINANCE relating to the Department of Neighborhoods; authorizing implementation of certain Neighborhood Matching Fund projects in 2008, and providing that 2008 appropriations for the Neighborhood Matching Subfund shall carry forward automatically to future budget years.

Vote:
          Burgess: Yes
          Clark: Yes
          Conlin: Yes
          Drago: Yes
          Godden: Yes
          Harrell: Yes
          Licata: No
          McIver: No
          Rasmussen: Yes

Issue/Summary: Authorized a Lease Agreement with Building 11 LLC to renovate and occupy Building 11 at Warren G. Magnuson Park to develop a multi-use recreation building. 

Title of Legislation:
AN ORDINANCE relating to the Department of Parks and Recreation; authorizing the Superintendent to enter into a Lease Agreement with Building 11 LLC for the purpose of renovating Building 11 and offering multiple uses and recreational opportunities in Building 11 at Magnuson Park.

Vote:
          Burgess: No
          Clark: No
          Conlin: No
          Drago: No
          Godden: No
          Harrell: No
          Licata: Excused
          McIver: Excused
          Rasmussen: Yes

Issue/Summary: Established a fee (Green Fee) of 20 cents per bag on every disposable shopping bag of paper, plastic or other material that customers ask for or accept from grocery, drug or convenience stores, effective Jan. 1, 2009.

Title of Legislation:
AN ORDINANCE relating to the City of Seattle's solid waste system, establishing an advanced recovery fee (a green fee) for disposable shopping bags, providing a deduction for the green fee from the City's business license tax, creating two new positions, and amending Seattle Municipal Code Chapters 21.36, 21.40, and 5.45.

Vote:
          Burgess: Yes
          Clark: Yes
          Conlin: Yes
          Drago: No
          Godden: Yes
          Harrell: Yes
          Licata: Excused
          McIver: Excused
          Rasmussen: Yes

Issue/Summary: Prohibited food service businesses, restaurants and grocery stores, from using expanded polystyrene foam containers, plates, cups, meat trays, egg cartons, etc.; and required food service businesses to stop using disposable plastic or plastic-coated paper food service products – trays, plates, “clamshells,” cups, utensils and so forth – and change to reusable, compostable or recyclable alternatives.

Title of Legislation:
AN ORDINANCE relating to the City of Seattle's solid waste system, prohibiting the use of expanded polystyrene food service containers, requiring food service businesses to transition from disposable plastic food service ware to compostable and recyclable alternatives, and amending Seattle Municipal Code Chapter 21.36.

Vote:
          Burgess: Yes
          Clark: Yes
          Conlin: Yes
          Drago: Yes
          Godden: Yes
          Harrell: Yes
          Licata: Excused
          McIver: Excused
          Rasmussen: Yes

Issue/Summary: Repealed Ordinance 114011 that established the Fort Lawton Landmark District in 1988, updated the boundaries of the District, and established procedures for its administration.

Title of Legislation:
AN ORDINANCE relating to the Fort Lawton Landmark District, adding a new Chapter 25.21 to the Seattle Municipal Code, amending SMC 22.900C.010, and repealing Ordinance 114011.

Vote:
          Burgess: Yes
          Clark: Yes
          Conlin: Yes
          Drago: Yes
          Godden: Yes
          Harrell: Yes
          Licata: Excused
          McIver: Excused
          Rasmussen: Yes

Issue/Summary: Made it unlawful to move another person’s motor vehicle (scooter) that is legally parked in a city-owned parking space or stall.

Title of Legislation:
AN ORDINANCE relating to the Traffic Code, amending Section 11.72.230 to prohibit a person from moving a motor vehicle not lawfully under his or her control when the motor vehicle is occupying a parking stall or space on City property, and amending Section 11.31.121 to specify a monetary penalty for violation of Section 11.72.230.

Vote:
          Burgess: Yes
          Clark: Yes
          Conlin: Yes
          Drago: Yes
          Godden: Yes
          Harrell: Yes
          Licata: Yes
          McIver: Excused
          Rasmussen: Absent

Issue/Summary: Authorized an agreement whereby the City would receive up to $5 million from United Way of King County to increase the City’s available bridge loan funding for housing for chronically homeless individuals.

Title of Legislation:
AN ORDINANCE relating to The City of Seattle's Bridge Loan Program; authorizing the Director of the Office of Housing to execute agreements under which the City will receive supplemental funding from the United Way of King County for such program; accepting the money when received; and increasing the 2008 Budget of the Office of Housing by making a reimbursable appropriation; all by a three- fourths vote of the City Council.

Vote:
          Burgess: Yes
          Clark: Yes
          Conlin: Yes
          Drago: Yes
          Godden: Yes
          Harrell: Yes
          Licata: Excused
          McIver: Excused
          Rasmussen: Yes

Issue/Summary: Approved the 2008 Integrated Resource Plan, which forecast future electricity demand, the amount of power resources needed each year, and the mix of “commercially available” power resources that meets power resource needs at the “lowest reasonable cost.” 

Title of Legislation:
A RESOLUTION relating to the City Light Department; acknowledging the 2008 Integrated Resource Plan for future conservation and power resources needed to provide reliable, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible electric power to the citizens of Seattle as conforming with the public policy objectives of the City of Seattle and the requirements of the State of Washington; and approving the plan for the biennium September 2008 through August 2010.

Vote:
          Burgess: Yes
          Clark: Yes
          Conlin: Yes
          Drago: Yes
          Godden: Yes
          Harrell: Yes
          Licata: Excused
          McIver: Excused
          Rasmussen: Yes

Issue/Summary: Amended numerous provisions of City law which regulate the taxicab industry, including: increasing the number of taxicab licenses; establishing maximum lease amounts that may be charged to drivers; and establishing vehicle standards that will allow the Seattle taxicab fleet to move toward hybrid and alternative fuel vehicles, to reduce greenhouse emissions. 

Title of Legislation:
AN ORDINANCE relating to taxicabs; increasing the taxicab regulatory license fees, inspection fees, and miscellaneous fees; restricting the transferability of new taxicab licenses; raising the maximum number of taxicab licenses issued by the City; imposing requirements concerning the issuance and maintenance of new taxicab licenses; restricting the conditions for lease of taxicabs; raising the minimum underinsured motorist coverages; providing for the regulation of taxicab licenses on vehicles subject to loans; revising obsolete provisions and terminology; adding new sections to the Seattle Municipal Code; and amending Sections 6.310.110, 6.310.150, 6.310.300, 6.310.320, 6.310.330, 6.310.340, 6.310.350, 6.310.450, 6.310.455, 6.310.460, 6.310.465, 6.310.470, 6.310.500, and 6.310.610 of the Seattle Municipal Code.

Vote:
          Burgess: Yes
          Clark: Yes
          Conlin: Yes
          Drago: Yes
          Godden: Yes
          Harrell: Yes
          Licata: Excused
          McIver: Excused
          Rasmussen: Yes