City Council Special and Regular Meeting of Monday, October 26, 2026

The City of Kenmore City Council held a special and regular meeting on October 26, 2026. The special meeting consisted of interviews for four upcoming Planning Commission seats, with selections deferred to the November 9 meeting. During the regular meeting, the Council discussed proposed zoning rules for the Swamp Creek TOD carveout. A motion to bring permanent zoning ordinance 26-05654 back for consideration failed; a separate motion to return an extension of the interim regulations for approval at the next meeting passed 6–1. No zoning ordinance was adopted that evening. Public commenters also raised concerns about the proposed outdoor pools and spa expansion at the St. Edward State Park lodge, including transparency, environmental effects, and parking; the discussion did not result in a City procurement or award decision.

The Council received preliminary 2027–28 budget presentations, with final budget presentations completed but adoption still pending. Proposed allocations included about $3.9 million for the City Manager’s Office, including general consulting and studies such as downtown and police-services reviews, and approximately $695,000 for environmental services in the general fund. The Surface Water Management Fund projected $11.9 million in revenue and $10.8 million in expenditures; the Surface Water Capital Fund proposed about $6.5 million in expenditures for culvert and stormwater retrofit projects, supported in part by increased transfers, grants, and planned borrowing. The Lake Point fund would cover legal, personnel, and due-diligence costs associated with a potential property acquisition and public park or shoreline restoration, contingent on reaching a purchase agreement. These were budget proposals rather than final spending approvals; no contract awards or vendor selections were identified. The Council also approved the consent agenda 6–1.