Tensions between Bellevue city administrators and some residents, including members of the local business community, made for some uncomfortable exchanges at the city’s June council meeting.
In his report to the city, Mayor Charlie Cleves read aloud several Facebook posts from residents expressing anger and concern on a variety of topics.
“I’d like to address all the people making outrageous statements on Facebook, and it’s got to stop, because I’m going to start calling people out on it,” he said. “It’s just bringing a lot of bad stuff to our city. People are lying to get a rise out of other people.”
Among the complaints were comments about privacy concerns with the new Flock cameras. The Bellevue police department is considering using these devices at intersections within the city. Another person was concerned that money set aside for the Marianne Theater was being rerouted for salary increases. Another post claimed the city had not included the Bellevue Vets Club in the city’s entertainment district.
Cleves said the Flock cameras have not yet been approved, and no cameras have been put up in the city. He also denied that any money was diverted from Marianne and said the Vets Club had been included in the entertainment district.
In response to posts from business community members who felt not enough was being done to support businesses in the city, the mayor said recent events had put the city in a positive light and attracted visitors. He also pointed to the recent Bridging Back Business campaign designed to promote area businesses affected by the closure of the I-471 bridge due to a fire.
“I, too, don’t like negative things that I read, and especially if they’re not true,” said Council member Mike Almoslechner. “Since 2023, we have resurfaced 11 streets. We did seven locations of curb and gutter work. We did stormwater infrastructure work at the top of Berry Avenue. We built a new pole barn for our public service. Our firefighters got $15,000 raises to try to keep them here in the city. We’re operating now with four firefighters a night. They want five. We’re struggling with that, and we’re doing the best we can.”
He listed out improvements to area parks, city streetscapes, and noted the help the city gave property owners whose homes suffered from landslides.
“We’re doing some positive things here,” said Almoslechner. “We are working together for the betterment of the city.”
Bellevue business owners voice concerns
Local business owners attended the meeting to express concerns about what they perceived as a lack of support from the city and its marketing and communications director, Melissa Morandi.
A municipal order approving a contract between the city and Morandi for marketing services was on the agenda for a vote. The owners voiced opposition to the contract and asked for more support.
April Fleming owns Ape Made It, a boutique on Fairfield Avenue.
“I put a huge chunk of my life savings in 715 Fairfield Avenue, and like many others, I believe in the potential of the city to support,” said Fleming. “This is pressing. It’s been going on since March of last year, and I’m looking for a change, and I hope you can help. I’ve actually felt the support in the past, but when I spoke up for inclusiveness and unity, asking that we welcome back businesses who were shut out for voicing their opinions, I became a problem.”
Fleming said she felt her business and others have not received the necessary promotion and support for their events and activities.
“The business group requests help promoting our events,” said Fleming. “We continuously have people asking us.’ How can we help? What can we do? How can we make things better?’ This is a defining moment. Doing what’s right isn’t always easy, but it shows who you really are. We don’t need performative support. We need fair, consistent leadership that supports all businesses, not just the chosen few.”
Over the past couple of years, Morandi and Cleves have put together a marketing initiative to promote Bellevue. They have hosted events like eclipse watching parties, they renamed Taylor Avenue to “Taylor Swift Avenue” when Taylor Swift’s Era Tour came to town and for the past two years, they have had a “Summer Bucket List” program for kids.
“As a public servant, my commitment has always been to serve the City of Bellevue with integrity and professionalism,” Morandi told LINK nky. “I’m proud of all we’ve accomplished to support local businesses, strengthen our community, and shine a light on what makes Bellevue such an incredible destination.”
Charlie Zimmerman, who owns the Three Spirits tavern, said, “I’m speaking tonight solely as an individual and as a small business owner in this community, and not as I usually come as the president of the small business association. I want to address the upcoming vote on renewal of the city’s marketing contractor, and respectfully ask this council to vote no on that renewal. This is not personal. It’s a strictly business decision. From a business standpoint, it’s time for a new direction.”
Zimmerman said he has seen an emphasis on family-focused free events that do draw crowds, but he felt these don’t necessarily support local businesses or generate economic activity in the downtown business community.
“What we need is supporting and promoting all the local businesses, driving traffic and commerce into our historic downtown and other business districts, communicating with professionalism and neutrality, utilizing different strategies to encourage business retention so these businesses don’t leave our city,” said Zimmerman. “This person needs to understand how a small business works, how payroll, inventory, profit and loss statements, employee retention, employee training and leadership, what the pressure feels like when foot traffic is down. They should be constantly networking all the different entities in our city. They should be a brand ambassador for all the small businesses.”
Zimmerman then asked council to vote no on renewing the marketing contract.
“Instead, open this position up through a transparent, competitive RFP process, one that welcomes all qualified candidates and ensures accountability,” said Zimmerman. “I am hopeful this can be a turning point, a chance to leave behind the divisions of the past, to move forward with a new leadership, new energy, and a renowned commitment to fairness and collaboration.”
Bellevue city council voted 5 to 1 to approve the contract for her marketing services.