Council approves e-motorcycle code, budget amendment, gas-hedge plan and settlement

Eden Plus City Council on July 13 voted to adopt an electric-motorcycle ordinance, approve a first 2026 budget amendment and authorize two operational items: a gas-hedging purchase and entry into a settlement agreement.

The council adopted Ordinance 2839 on second reading, revising city code to create a new chapter governing electric motorcycles. The city clerk read the ordinance title and Police Commander Tony Ryan delivered a staff report; committee members said they had no objections aside from requesting training publicity. Council member Martineau moved to approve and a second was recorded; the motion passed by voice vote.

Finance Director Kristen Reed presented Ordinance 2841, the first budget amendment for 2026. Reed said the amendment adds $35,000 to buy two digital reader boards to be paid from the street fund, reflected as an interfund transfer split across IT funding percentages, and noted the amendment reduces the Facilities Fund (Fund 35) reserve below the reserve policy. Committee recommended approval and the council adopted the amendment on second reading.

Public Works brought a gas-hedging authorization: the motion directed staff to hedge 25% of expected city gas use for summer 2030 at $3.10 per decatherm (or better) and 25% for winter 2030–31 at $5.65 per decatherm (or better), and to extend any agreements needed with the city's carrier. The motion was moved from the floor and seconded by Council member Sorkin; council approved the motion by voice vote.

On a separate matter, City Attorney Joanna summarized a pending appeal involving a mixed‑use project by QMC/Cortera and a neighbor, David Grampa, and said the parties reached a settlement. After a 10‑minute executive session permitted under RCW 42.31.110(1)(i) to discuss litigation with legal counsel, council moved to approve Resolution 1883 authorizing the mayor to execute the settlement agreement. Joanna told council the agreement, as reviewed by staff, contains no monetary obligations for the city.

Actions recorded at the meeting included motions and votes listed by agenda item: Ordinance 2839 (adopted on second reading); Ordinance 2841 (budget amendment adopted on second reading, includes $35,000 for two digital reader boards); authorization of the gas-hedge purchase plan for summer 2030 and winter 2030–31 (approved); and Resolution 1883 (settlement agreement authorized and mayor authorized to execute). The council approved each item by voice vote.