Public Meetings - Edmonds, Washington

The Edmonds City Council met on May 26, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers. The meeting included proclamations, a transportation impact fee report, a public hearing on the 2027–2032 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), and a second reading on family burial grounds. The council unanimously approved the consent agenda and a six-month interim ordinance prohibiting family burial grounds. Consent Calendar - Approved unanimously: - Approval of City Council meeting minutes (May 12, 2026 Special, May 12, 2026 Regular, May 13, 2026 Study Session, May 19, 2026 Finance Committee, May 19, 2026 PPW Committee, May 19, 2026 PSPHSP Committee). - Approval of claim checks and wire payments (check runs May 13 and May 20, 2026). - Approval of payroll and benefit checks, direct deposit and wire payments (May 1–15, 2026). - Reappointment of Wayne Grotheer to Edmonds Public Facilities District Board. - Ordinance amending authorized employee positions (second reading). - Award of OVD Overlay Construction Contract (second reading). - Authorization to purchase a 2026 Bobcat PA185V Air Compressor (second reading). - Water Quality Control Technician job description revision (second reading). - Interlocal Agreement with City of Mukilteo for paint striping (second reading). Public Comments & Testimony - David O'Connor, a gun violence survivor and member of the Every Town Survivor Network, thanked the council for the National Gun Safety Awareness Month proclamation and shared his personal story. He urged continued action to reduce gun violence. - Tim Amon, representing the Community Alliance to Protect the Environment (CAPE), thanked council members who visited the proposed Linwood Wastewater Treatment Plant expansion site. He reiterated CAPE’s requests: a full environmental impact statement, transparency in the renegotiation of the interlocal agreement with Linwood, and more public engagement on the project. - Logan (no affiliation stated) spoke about a property dispute involving lakeside structures, a dog house, and a trench. He expressed frustration with city code enforcement regarding buffer areas and existing structures left by a previous homeowner. - Joe Scordino, a 47-year Edmonds resident, reported on his volunteer graffiti removal efforts along Highway 104 under an agreement with WSDOT (project named “Beautify Edmonds”) and on restoration work at the Edmonds Marsh. He also commented during the TIP public hearing, urging the city to conduct surveys for traffic safety improvements and raising safety concerns about bump-outs and flashing yellow left-turn arrows. - No additional public comments were made during the TIP public hearing beyond Mr. Scordino’s. Presentations - LGBTQ+ Pride Month Proclamation: Mayor Rosen read the proclamation declaring June 2026 as LGBTQ+ Pride Month. Rowan Soisett, Director of Edmonds Pride, accepted and emphasized the need for action behind words, especially in the current political climate. Council unanimously adopted the proclamation. - National Gun Safety Awareness Month Proclamation: Mayor Rosen read the proclamation declaring June 2026 as National Gun Safety Awareness Month. Dean Olson, a volunteer with gun violence prevention groups, and David O'Connor accepted it. Council unanimously adopted the proclamation. - 2025 Transportation Impact Fee Report: Bertrand House (Transportation Engineer) presented the annual report. Key points: - Beginning balance in 2025: $2.5 million; ending balance: $3.0 million (including $325,000 in fees and $200,000 interest). - Major revenue came from a change-of-use to daycare ($100,000) and other developments. - Funds are allocated to two major projects: 76th & 220th intersection improvements and Highway 99 Stage 4; design is delayed pending federal stormwater permit approval. - Starting July 1, 2026, fees will be renamed “Transportation Impact Fees” and can be used for active transportation projects as well. - Mayor’s Finance Update: Mayor Rosen announced cancellation of the city’s contract for Flock automated license plate readers, citing concerns about an FBI RFP seeking warrantless nationwide access and ongoing privacy debates. He noted the cameras had been effective for public safety but that risks outweighed benefits. Public Hearing: 2027–2032 6-Year Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) - Bertrand House presented the draft TIP, which includes over 50 projects, with the first three years constrained (funding secured) and the last three unconstrained. Total grant funding secured in the last five years exceeded $32 million. - Key projects for 2026: OVD Overlay (196th to Talbot), 7th Avenue curb ramp upgrades with a mid-block crossing at Civic Park, pedestrian safety improvements (LED warning signs, new push buttons at SR 104 & 100th), traffic calming, and a flashing yellow arrow signal at SR 104 & 236th. - Council discussion: Members asked about project prioritization methodology, ADA compliance, traffic calming effectiveness, economic development impacts (e.g., Main Street bike lane project, Ferdale Village crosswalk), and equity considerations (shade, hydration). Councilmember Olson questioned whether the Main Street bike lane project (losing parking/sidewalk width) should remain a priority. Staff noted no detailed evaluation has been done yet. - No motions were made at the public hearing; the TIP is scheduled for final approval at the next council meeting. Council Business: Family Burial Grounds (HB 2239) – Second Reading - Mike Clugston (Planning and Development) explained that the state law (SHB 2239) takes effect June 11, 2026, allowing private family burial grounds on residential lots with minimum dimensional requirements (≤10% of parcel, 25 ft from property lines, 100 ft from rights-of-way, 150 ft from critical areas). Cities may regulate or prohibit. - Staff recommendation: Enact a six-month interim ordinance to prohibit family burial grounds while studying permanent regulations. - Council discussed concerns: high water table, potential for remains resurfacing, odor, administrative burden, long-term recordkeeping, and conflicts with future development. Some members expressed openness to allowing natural organic reduction or cremains burial after study. - Motion and vote: Councilmember Nand moved to initiate a six-month interim ordinance; seconded by Councilmember Olson. Unanimously approved (7–0). A public hearing on the interim ordinance is scheduled for June 23, 2026. Council Comments - Councilmembers thanked attendees of the Edmonds Memorial Day ceremony at the Memorial Cemetery, with special mention of the POW/MIA table explanation and the significance of veterans’ sacrifices. - Councilmember Barnett provided updates: Finance Committee will hold a budget retreat on May 30; Disability Board monitoring state changes to LEOFF 1; Lodging Tax Advisory Committee opened applications for 2027 Arts and Cultural Tourism Promotion Awards (deadline June 3). - Councilmember Chen and others reiterated the value of listening to community concerns (Westgate apartments, wastewater treatment plant) and praised council collaboration. - Councilmember Eck thanked Mayor Rosen for canceling the Flock contract and for the proclamations, and encouraged residents to participate in Bike Everywhere Month (May) through organizations like Washington Bikes and Cascade Bicycle Club. - Student representative Leo highlighted Camp Korey for children with medical conditions. Mayor’s Comments - Mayor Rosen closed by reflecting on the evening’s work: residents speaking about property challenges, volunteers addressing graffiti, careful consideration of transportation infrastructure, and discussions on alternatives. He thanked the community and adjourned the meeting at 8:01 PM. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda approved unanimously. - Proclamations adopted for LGBTQ+ Pride Month and National Gun Safety Awareness Month. - Flock camera contract cancelled; no future use in Edmonds. - Public hearing on the 2027–2032 TIP held; final approval set for June 2, 2026. - Interim ordinance prohibiting family burial grounds passed unanimously (6-month moratorium); public hearing on June 23, 2026. - Budget retreat scheduled for May 30, 2026 (Saturday).

The Edmonds City Council Parks and Public Works Committee met on May 19, 2026, at 3:00 PM to discuss five agenda items: emergency repairs to the cemetery columbarium, award of bids for the 2026 Cured-in-Place Pipe (CIPP) rehab project, award of bids for the Olympic View Drive (OVD) overlay project, presentation of the 2027–2032 6-Year Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), and an interlocal agreement with the City of Mukilteo for paint striping services. The committee forwarded multiple items to the consent agenda and received informational briefings. The meeting adjourned at 4:04 PM. Consent Calendar - Cemetery Columbarium Repair Project – Informational only; no action taken. The project will return as a formal budget amendment after emergency repairs proceed. - 2026 Combined Cured-in-Place Pipe (CIPP) Rehab Project – Forwarded to the May 26 consent agenda. The low bid from SCI ($421,273.17) was non-responsive; the next low bid from Iron Horse ($437,000) was deemed responsive and is recommended for award. Funding comes from annual project funds (accounts 422 and 423). - Report on Bids and Award for OVD Overlay Construction Contract – Forwarded to the May 26 consent agenda. The low bid from JB Asphalt ($1,091,293.85) was non-responsive; the next low bid from Northwest Asphalt ($1,139,767) was responsive and is recommended. The project includes an $1.384 million grant (86.5% grant, 13.5% city match) and addresses asphalt speed cushions on Olympic View Drive. - Interlocal Agreement with City of Mukilteo Public Works – Forwarded to the May 26 consent agenda. The agreement allows Edmonds to perform paint striping for Mukilteo using overtime staff, with Mukilteo reimbursing all costs, making the arrangement budget neutral. Discussion Items - Cemetery Columbarium Repair Project: Parks Director Angie Messer and contractor Joe Sullivan presented an emergency repair for the columbarium built in 2006 (approximately 20 years old). The retaining wall (150–160 feet long, 9–14 feet high) has three problem areas: water infiltration at railing posts, failed sealant between concrete and granite niches, and spalling on the concrete wall. The repair scope includes waterproofing the backside (hand digging 2–4 feet deep), patching spalling, and resealing all openings. The low responsive bid is $107,000 plus sales tax ($118,000 subtotal), with a $9,000 management reserve and $9,000 project management, totaling under $140,000. Funding is available from the cemetery capital fund (137), which currently has $1.1 million; after the project the balance will be $990,000, returning to the $1 million target by end of 2027. The cemetery board (April 17 meeting) supported the work and funding. Councilmember Chris Eck questioned original construction quality (specs called for waterproofing but it was not installed). Director Messer confirmed legal counsel may be consulted. Joe Sullivan stated the silicone sealant has a 10-year lifespan (UV degradation), the waterproofing a 5-year warranty (due to partial installation), and ongoing maintenance will be added. The committee accepted the presentation as informational; emergency repairs will proceed, with a budget amendment to follow. - 2027–2032 6-Year Transportation Improvement Program (TIP): Transportation Engineer Bertrand House presented the required annual TIP. The first three years are constrained (secured funding); the last three are unconstrained. Key 2026 projects include the OVD overlay (summer 2026), 7th Avenue North curb ramp upgrades (TIB grant $580,000, 30% local match), pedestrian safety improvements at Highway 99/238th (active warning signs) and SR104/100th (push-button relocation), and traffic signal upgrades at SR104/236th (flashing left-turn arrow for Madrona Elementary School). 2027–2028 projects include a citywide lighting improvement (HSIP grant $700,000, no local match), citywide pedestrian improvements (TIB grant $684,000 for 23 ADA curb ramps), and the 76th Avenue West overlay (grant secured 2024, construction 2028). Over the last four years about $31 million in grants were secured. Councilmember Michelle (last name not provided) raised concerns about: prioritizing bike lanes in survey results; the cost-benefit of sidewalk bulb-outs; the multi-use path along Sunset (questioning elevation need); missing a crosswalk at Firdale Village; and the loss of parking/bistro dining for bike lanes on Main Street. She also asked about pedestrian counts and feasibility studies for multi-use paths. Bertrand responded that feasibility studies would precede large projects, and that bulb-outs are evaluated case-by-case for safety benefits vs. negative impacts. Councilmember Eck commended the grant-writing efforts. The TIP will have a public hearing at the May 26 council meeting and action on June 2. The agenda memo will be updated to reflect the public hearing date. Key Outcomes - Cemetery Columbarium: The committee approved proceeding with emergency repairs using cemetery capital funds, with a formal budget amendment to be brought to council later. - CIPP and OVD Projects: Both awarded to the responsive low bidders (Iron Horse for CIPP, Northwest Asphalt for OVD) and forwarded to the May 26 consent agenda for final approval. - Interlocal Agreement: Forwarded to the May 26 consent agenda; minor document corrections will be made before that meeting. - Transportation Improvement Program: Scheduled for public hearing on May 26 and council vote on June 2. The committee took no formal action but provided feedback for consideration. - Meeting Extended: Motion passed to extend the meeting to 4:15 PM to accommodate discussion.

The Edmonds City Council Public Safety, Planning, Human Services, and Personnel (PSPHSP) Committee met on May 19, 2026, at 4:30 PM via Zoom and in-person. The committee discussed four agenda items: a proposed ordinance amending authorized employee positions, a job description revision for a water quality control technician, an introduction to family burial grounds under House Bill 2239, and an introduction to code amendments implementing House Bill 1757 for converting existing buildings to housing. Decisions included forwarding two items to the consent agenda and setting future discussion dates for the remaining items. Consent Calendar - Ordinance Amending Authorized Employee Positions (First Reading): The committee reviewed a proposed ordinance reflecting personnel changes, including reclassification of an HR position, adjustments in administrative services, addition of wastewater treatment plant supervisors, and increases in planning department administrative assistant FTEs. The committee unanimously agreed to move this ordinance to the consent agenda for approval at the May 26, 2026, full council meeting. - Water Quality Control Technician Job Description Revision: The Public Works Director presented a minor change to make a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) preferred rather than required for the position, as a recent qualified candidate was lost due to the CDL requirement. The committee agreed to move this revision to the consent agenda for approval on May 26, 2026. Discussion Items - Introduction to Family Burial Grounds (HB 2239): Planning staff introduced House Bill 2239, which allows family burial grounds on private property starting June 11, 2026. Staff presented four alternatives: allow with state minimums, allow with additional restrictions, ban outright, or adopt a moratorium. The committee expressed concerns about flooding risks and the need for public input, with Councilmember Dosh favoring a moratorium (alternative four). The committee agreed to forward this item to the full council for discussion on May 26, 2026. - Introduction to Code Amendments Implementing HB 1757: Planning and Building staff presented on House Bill 1757, requiring jurisdictions to allow conversion of existing buildings to residential uses. The bill includes energy code carve-outs for new dwelling units in existing buildings. The discussion focused on safety concerns (e.g., egress, fire protection) and the limited applicability to Edmonds' building stock. The committee directed staff to bring the building code amendments to the full council for discussion and possible action on June 23, 2026, and to send the zoning code amendments to the Planning Board for recommendation, with a return to full council in July 2026. Key Outcomes - Items referred to consent agenda (May 26, 2026, full council): Ordinance amending authorized employee positions and Water Quality Control Technician job description revision. - Family burial grounds (HB 2239): Forwarded to full council for discussion on May 26, 2026, with intent to adopt an interim ordinance. - HB 1757 building code amendments: Directed staff to present to full council on June 23, 2026, for discussion and potential action. - HB 1757 zoning code amendments: Directed staff to take to Planning Board for review, then return to full council in July 2026.

The Finance Committee met on May 19, 2026, to receive the March 2026 Monthly Financial Report and discuss fiscal updates. The report was presented by Finance staff, covering fund balances, revenue trends, expenditures, and an update on the Baker Tilly contract for financial forecasting. No public comments were received, and no consent calendar items were considered. Discussion Items - March 2026 Monthly Financial Report: Finance staff reported that overall fund balances improved by $1.16 million through March, primarily driven by utility fund increases: $1.659 million in the water utility and $1.257 million in the stormwater utility. Approximately $800,000 of these increases came from the general fund through an interfund loan repayment. General fund expenditures remained below budget, with revenue from sales tax coming in higher than anticipated. The hotel/motel fund showed an over-expenditure, attributed to a correction between fiscal years 2025 and 2026. The cash flow chart that had been included in prior reports was omitted this month due to staff constraints related to the ERP transition and annual financial reporting. Staff committed to including it in the next report. Councilmember Banet requested more forward-looking cash flow projections to help policymakers anticipate large expenditures (e.g., capital projects) and maintain minimum safe balances. Mayor responded that March is typically a low cash month, and property tax infusions in April and October provide stabilization. Staff will work to provide additional cash flow information as soon as possible. - Building Maintenance Fund (Fang 016): Councilmember Chen noted a beginning balance of $2.3 million with planned expenditures of $2 million for backlog maintenance projects. As of May, little had been spent. Mayor acknowledged the concern and said a list of projects and status updates would be provided to council. - Baker Tilly Contract Update: Mayor updated the committee on the contract with Baker Tilly for financial forecasting. The contract had been reviewed by city attorneys and council president. One of council president's two questions was resolved; the other warrants a discussion. A direct meeting between council president and Baker Tilly will be scheduled to finalize the contract. Mayor expressed hope for a quick resolution. - Budget Retreat: Mayor noted that the agenda for the upcoming budget retreat would be distributed to council shortly. The retreat will focus on agreeing on revenue and expense assumptions (e.g., sales tax trends, inflation, jail costs, fuel costs) and projecting the gap (variance) between revenues and expenditures. Councilmember Banet raised concerns that vacant positions (26 citywide) are masking the structural deficit and that staff capacity shortages hinder strategic planning. Mayor acknowledged the constraints but said staff is ready for the retreat. - REIT Revenues: Councilmember Chen observed that Real Estate Excise Tax (REIT) revenues were at 18% of budget through March, below the expected 25% for a quarter. Staff explained that REIT is driven by property sales, which are seasonal and typically slower in winter. No immediate concern; budget estimates are based on historical patterns. - Police Staffing and Overtime: Councilmember Chen noted that the police department expense summary showed 25% of budget spent, but a commander position remained unfilled. She asked if savings were expected or if overtime would offset. Mayor and staff indicated that overtime is expected to increase due to lean staffing, Fourth of July events, and World Cup regional preparedness. The police chief declined to loan officers to Seattle due to local capacity constraints. No specific World Cup funding was received for police. - Financial Report Methodology: Councilmember Chen asked about the shift from five-year to two-year trend charts. Staff confirmed all charts now use a two-year trend to provide a tighter projection, correcting one page that still said five-year. Report generation is manual, pulling data from the Munis system into Excel. Efficiency improvements are planned after the new Tyler ERP system is fully implemented, but staff is currently at capacity and cannot undertake reporting redesign at this time. Key Outcomes - The Finance Committee received and discussed the March 2026 Monthly Financial Report. - Staff will provide a cash flow projection chart and building maintenance project status update. - The Baker Tilly contract will be finalized following council president’s discussion with the firm. - The budget retreat agenda will be distributed to council; the retreat will address fiscal assumptions and gap projections.

Note: The agenda and transcript indicate the meeting was held on May 13, 2026, at 3:00 PM Pacific; however, the provided date for summary purposes is May 14, 2026, at 5:45 PM UTC. The meeting lasted approximately 1 hour 55 minutes (3:00–4:55 PM Pacific) and included two study session items. No formal votes were taken. The Edmonds City Council held a study session to discuss results of the 2026 Community Priority Survey and proposed revisions to the structure and use of city boards and commissions. Staff provided presentations, council members asked questions and gave initial feedback, and the mayor outlined next steps. Community Survey Results - Brendan Kara (Vice President, EMC Research) presented findings from a multimodal survey of 350 Edmonds residents (margin of error ±5.2%) conducted in March 2026, with comparisons to a 2024 survey using similar methodology. - Overall mood: 93% rate quality of life as positive (down from 94% in 2024). 60% say the city is headed in the right direction (down from 74%). - Top priority: Maintaining streets/fixing potholes remains most important (94% importance). - Notable shifts: Concern about budget/fiscal responsibility jumped from 7% to 27%. Cost of living/taxes (14%) and housing affordability (8%) also topped open-ended priorities. - Satisfaction with city services overall: 58% positive (down from 63%). Satisfaction with types/quality of services remained strong at 74% (unchanged). - Service-level changes: Preparing for natural disasters increased in importance (+7 points) but satisfaction dropped. Attracting new businesses/jobs increased in importance (+8 points) but satisfaction fell 13 points (now 34%). Satisfaction with services for homeless and traffic safety/enforcement improved. - Future services: 37% prefer maintaining current services, 30% enhancing, 11% adding new services. When asked about funding, only 18% support new taxes (property tax levy); 37% favor reducing underutilized services, 29% prefer cutting lower-priority services. - Council members discussed demographic and geographic differences (e.g., higher satisfaction in western vs. eastern Edmonds), the need to connect survey data to budget priorities, and potential limitations of survey participation in an era of spam/phone reluctance. Boards and Commissions Restructuring Recommendations - The mayor presented recommendations from a task force that included two council members, staff, current board members, and community members. The goal is to improve alignment of structure with function, staff capacity, and community engagement. - Guiding principles: Right structure for purpose, flexibility/adaptability, focus on impact over tradition. New terminology categories proposed: Board, Task Force, Work Group, Committee, Advisory Board, Panel, Liaison. Terms "Cabinet" and "Commission" would be phased out. - Key proposed changes: - Combine Planning Board and Architectural Design Board (7–9 members, three required positions: architect, builder, landscape architect). - Transition Transportation Commission to non-codified work group, assemble as needed for transportation plan. - Remove Tree Board from code; transition to panel recruited for specific tasks (e.g., tree code advice). - Remove Economic Development Commission from code; establish advisory panel with a chair/co-chair for continuity. - Remove DEIA Commission from code; transition to advisory panel meeting quarterly. - Keep Historic Preservation Commission in code as advisory board meeting quarterly, with subcommittees. - Keep Arts Commission codified (with potential future spin-off as a separate funded entity). - Create a Parks Advisory Board (first step toward a dedicated parks board). - Explore transferring Cemetery Board ownership to a nonprofit; continue city participation in memorial events. - Remove Sister City Commission from code, transition to work group, unfreeze through 2028, explore becoming a nonprofit. - Remove Youth Commission from code, broaden age range, meet twice a year as an advisory panel. - Maintain Climate Protection Committee as non-codified task force, recruited for specific needs (e.g., climate element updates). - Eliminate Municipal Defense Commission (established 1941). - Discontinue council liaisons to internal advisory boards (retain for external organizations like Port). - Council feedback highlighted support for: keeping DEIA and Economic Development commissions strong (councilmembers Chen, Brag); maintaining a climate action committee meeting monthly (councilmember Kellogg); preserving council liaisons for transparency and context (councilmembers Chen, Kellogg, Brag, Olson, Krick); ensuring transparency of ad hoc work groups; and caution about confirmation bias when administration controls appointments. - The mayor acknowledged the input and said the recommendations are advisory; council will make final decisions. Next steps include refining recommendations, drafting code amendments, and scheduling further council discussion. Key Outcomes - No votes were taken. The session was for information and initial feedback. - The mayor will revise recommendations based on council comments and bring a draft code update with a timeline for further consideration. - Survey data will be incorporated into the budget planning cycle beginning with upcoming retreats. - Council members were invited to submit additional written feedback via email.

The Edmonds Planning Board held a regular meeting on May 14, 2026, at 7:02 PM in the Brackett Room of City Hall. The meeting focused on the 2026 Tree Code Update, specifically addressing tree retention and replacement during development. After public testimony and staff presentation, the board voted unanimously to adopt a tree density credit method, replacing the current percentage-based retention system, and directed staff to use Kirkland's code as a model. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the April 22, 2026, meeting were approved with three ayes and one abstention. Public Comments & Testimony - Deborah Ashland (Edmonds resident): Supported the tree density credit method but urged stipulations: vary density credits by land use, require a threshold of existing trees to remain, require replacements for all trees above 6 inches DBH, oppose fee-in-lieu without rigorous limits, and adopt a landmark tree size limit and species list. - Karen Barnes (Edmonds resident): Criticized the cap on fee-in-lieu payments, noting that in 2024 the city collected $300,000 but spent under $70,000, mostly on tree removal. Requested removal of the cap, ensure tree fund dollars are used for replacement not removal, and expedite spending. - Roger Pence (former board member, resident): Urged simplification of the tree code, focusing on preserving major trees that contribute to canopy rather than ornamentals. Stated the current code is too complicated and homeowners should not need a lawyer or arborist. - Barbara Stellar (online, resident): Supported the comments of Roger Pence, commended the board's work, and recommended the code be crafted simply and err on the side of trees. Discussion Items - Staff Report: Deb Powers presented an overview of the current tree retention code (percentage system: 30% for single-family, 25% for multifamily) and its issues: vague language, multiple replacement requirements, no retention requirement for commercial development, and legal vulnerabilities. Introduced the tree density credit system as an alternative, using Kirkland's code as an example. Explained that tree density credits combine retention and replacement into one calculation, with incentives for retaining large trees and groves. Noted that Kirkland has achieved its canopy goal and increased it. - Board Deliberation: Board members discussed the merits of the density credit system, including its predictability and success in Kirkland. Concerns about scalability for Edmonds' smaller development projects were raised, but the consensus favored adopting the system. The board also discussed applicability to remodels, ADUs, and other development triggers, agreeing that any development requiring a building permit should be subject to the tree code. The importance of clear differentiation between development-associated removals and elective removals was emphasized. Key Outcomes - Unanimous Vote: The board voted unanimously to adopt the tree density credit method for development-related tree retention and replacement, moving away from the current percentage-based system. - Direction to Staff: Staff was directed to use Kirkland's tree code as a starting point, adapting it for Edmonds with minimal changes to ensure predictability for developers and consistency with the city's canopy goal. - Summer Break: The board agreed to cancel the August 26, 2026, meeting, continuing the tradition of taking the last meeting in August off. Next Steps Staff will draft code language based on the tree density credit approach and the Kirkland model, to be reviewed at the May 27, 2026, meeting. The board will continue discussions on private property tree removal allowances and other outstanding items.

The Edmonds City Council met on May 12, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 8:53 PM in the Council Chambers and via Zoom. The meeting included presentations on the state legislative session, the South County Fire Regional Fire Authority (RFA) bond and redistricting, a finance update, public comments, and key council business including the confirmation of Stephanie Lukash as City Administrator and the appointment of a Planning Board alternate. The council also debated and voted on the unpausing of the Salary Commission. Presentations - Proclamation of Public Works Week 2026: Mayor Rosen proclaimed the week of May 17–23, 2026 as Public Works Week. Two public works employees (from the wastewater treatment plant) spoke, thanking the council and highlighting their work. - 2026 State Legislative Session Brief: Deborah Mungia, the city's lobbyist, presented a 30-minute briefing covering the 60-day short session (adjourned March 12, 2026). Key points: The state faced revenue challenges, using Rainy Day Fund transfers and cuts; the capital budget invested in housing and created a $25 million revolving loan program for clean energy upgrades; the transportation budget preserved funding for the SR 99 project but assumed a $180 million delay in spending; House Bill 2442 passed, creating new local sales tax options for children/families and expanding REET uses; Senate Bill 6346 (the millionaires tax) imposes a 9.9% tax on income over $1 million starting 2028, with sales tax exemptions for diapers, hygiene products, and over-the-counter drugs expected to reduce local sales tax revenue; housing bills included SB 6026 (prohibiting cities over 30,000 from excluding residential use in commercial/mixed zones) and HB 2266 (additional STEP housing requirements). Mungia noted the governor is exploring a new Department of Housing. Councilmembers expressed concerns about unfunded state mandates, cannabis revenue declines, and the impact of tax exemptions on city budgets. - Briefing from Liaison to South County Fire RFA Board: Officer Morris presented on two major issues: a proposed $420 million, 20-year bond measure (to replace/renovate fire stations, including Station 20 in Edmonds, and a new station near Highway 99/Swedish Hospital) and redistricting following Edmonds' annexation into the RFA. Three redistricting plans were presented: Plan 1 (most of Edmonds in District 2, 3,400 residents in District 1), Plan 1A (all Edmonds in District 2), and Plan 2 (north-south split along Pine Street). A third plan (Plan 3) would create seven districts, removing at-large seats. Councilmembers raised concerns about representation, timing of the bond relative to recent annexation, and the need for community engagement. Officer Morris encouraged residents to attend RFA commission meetings. - Mayor's Finance Update: Mayor Rosen reported that the state, through its own audit, discovered an overpayment of REIT funds to Hera Healthcare Realty Trust. The city must refund $183,621 (split evenly between the two REIT funds). The combined REIT funds currently hold approximately $10.5 million, so the refund is manageable. Public Comments & Testimony - Richard Marin (cemetery board): Invited the community to the Memorial Day program on May 25, 2026, at 11:00 AM at the cemetery, featuring a 90-year-old Danish woman who experienced Nazi occupation and a B-24 pilot who was shot down and protected by the Dutch. - Joan Longstaff (Edmonds real estate broker): Thanked Councilmember Payne for connecting the property at 22816 Edmonds Way with governmental agencies. Praised the Planning Department and code enforcement for responsiveness. - Sharon (West Haven Apartments resident): Voiced grievances about unsafe, unsanitary, and oppressive living conditions at West Haven, including unexplained utility bills, restrictions on personal items, and poor management by investors. Asked the council to provide resources and establish a regulatory system to protect tenants. - David Dorin (Kenmore resident): Spoke in support of Stephanie Lukash's appointment, citing her national recognition (League of Women in Government Hall of Fame, Assistant City Manager of the Year 2023) and her strong performance in Kenmore. Urged the council to confirm her. - Roger Pence (Edmonds resident): Commented on the RFA issues, noting that fire commissioner districts only matter in primary elections (general elections are district-wide). Criticized the RFA for lacking community engagement on the bond and commended Officer Morris for his presentation. - Bill Krapik (Woodway resident, remotely): Raised questions about Stephanie Lukash's appointment, including her salary, role, and background. Also commented on the RFA bond, questioning the business model and lack of economies of scale. Consent Calendar - Approved as amended: Items 8.1 (Council meeting minutes of May 5, 2026), 8.2 (payroll and benefit checks), 8.3 (claim checks), 8.5 (Ordinance to amend Code 1.04.035), and 8.6 (confirmation of Planning Board alternate) were pulled to council business. Item 8.4 (Salary Commission) was also pulled. The consent calendar passed unanimously. Discussion Items - City Administrator Confirmation of Appointment: HR Director Lisa Tackett presented the rationale for the position (clearer distinction between political and operational leadership, administrative expertise, continuity). The position was benchmarked against cities of 20,000–80,000 population, with a salary range of $181,000–$242,000 (Grade NR 47). The selection process: 29 applicants, top four interviewed by city leadership, an expert panel, the mayor, and the council. The mayor selected Stephanie Lukash, who has over 30 years of local government experience, including serving as Assistant City Manager in Kenmore, and holds an MPA from UW. Council debated the performance evaluation process (probationary period, annual reviews) and whether council would have input. The motion to confirm the appointment passed unanimously. A separate motion to approve the employment agreement also passed unanimously. Lukash then addressed the council, expressing gratitude and commitment to collaboration. - Appointment to Planning Board Alternate: Bristol Ellington, City Manager of Shoreline and former planning director for Henderson, NV, was interviewed. He holds master's degrees in urban and regional planning and public administration. Councilmembers praised his experience. The motion to appoint him passed unanimously. - Consideration of Unpausing Salary Commission (Item 8.4 pulled from consent): Councilmember Payne moved to change the salary commission from a 2-year to a 4-year cycle. After debate on frequency, cost, and political interference, the motion failed 4-3. Councilmember Dash then moved to adopt an ordinance to unpause the salary commission and align it with the even-year biennial budget cycle. This motion passed 5-2, with Payne and one other opposed. Key Outcomes - Confirmed: Stephanie Lukash as City Administrator (unanimous). - Appointed: Bristol Ellington as Planning Board Alternate (unanimous). - Failed: Motion to change salary commission cycle from 2 to 4 years (4-3). - Passed: Ordinance to unpause Salary Commission and align with even-year budget cycle (5-2). - Noted: $183,621 REIT refund to the state. - Upcoming: The RFA bond measure decision expected by end of June; redistricting by end of summer. Community engagement encouraged. - Next Council Meeting: Committee sessions scheduled for the following week (May 19, 2026).

The special meeting of the Edmonds City Council was called to order at 5:45 PM on May 12, 2026, for the purpose of interviewing a candidate for appointment to the Planning Board. However, the candidate was not available, and the meeting was adjourned shortly after convening. The mayor noted that the appointment may be added to the agenda of the upcoming full council meeting. Key Outcomes - The interview for the planning board appointment was not conducted because the candidate was not present. - The meeting was adjourned without any other business. - The mayor indicated that the appointment may be considered at the next regular council meeting.

The Edmonds City Council held a special meeting on May 12, 2026, at 5:45 PM in the Council Chambers and via Zoom. The sole agenda item was an interview for an appointment to a board or commission, specifically from the Mayor's Office. No minutes or transcript are available, so details of the interview and any subsequent action are not recorded. Council Business - Interview for Appointment to a Board or Commission (15 minutes): The council conducted an interview with a candidate identified as Bristol Ellington (based on the attached document name). The agenda indicated only one reading was required, but no further information on the outcome or discussion is available due to the lack of a transcript or minutes. Key Outcomes - No decisions or votes are recorded in the provided materials. The meeting adjourned after the interview.