Public Meetings - Everett, Washington

The Everett City Council held a regular meeting on April 30, 2025, at 12:30 PM in the City Council Chambers. The meeting included approval of prior minutes, public comment (written), council comments, consent calendar items, first readings of two ordinances, and a moved consent item for action. The council voted on several items and discussed the trade-offs of approving a boating regatta on Silver Lake. Consent Calendar - Items 1–10 (excluding 4): Approved unanimously (6-0). These included: - Resolution authorizing claims totaling $5,694,492.35 (period ending April 18, 2025). - Resolution approving amendments to the Snohomish County 911 Interlocal Agreement. - Awarding purchase and installation of playground equipment at Lowell Park ($574,960.10). - Professional Services Agreement with Applied Professional Services, Inc. for utility potholing/locating. - Interlocal Agreement with Mukilteo regarding Mukilteo Lane. - Change Order No. 1 for Everett Transit Inductive Charging Infrastructure. - Amendment No. 1 for Edgewater Park Renovation architecture/engineering services. - Certificate of Completion for Police Facilities Upgrades ($433,842.95). - Change Order No. 3 to close Eclipse Mill Park Inductive Charging Infrastructure Project. - Item 4 (Seattle Outboard Association regatta) was moved to action items. Public Comments & Testimony - No oral comments were made. Written comments were submitted by: - Josh Brown (regarding commercial corner lot buildings) - Ken Pearson (regarding mobile home overlays) These were entered into the official record. Discussion Items - Action Item 4 – Seattle Outboard Association Regatta (Silver Lake): Councilmember Zarlingo requested this be pulled from consent for discussion. He raised concerns about displacement of public use during a two-day event (Friday–Sunday), impacts on water quality, noise, and parking demand. Assistant Parks Director Kimberly Moore clarified that extra parking across the street could be opened, signage would be posted, and attendance typically ranges from 500 to 1,400 (weather-dependent). Economic impact data was unavailable, but the association generates overnight stays. After clarifying these points, Zarlingo expressed comfort with the trade-offs. - First Readings (Ordinances): Council Bill 2504-25 (later phase Eclipse Mill Park, $4,400,000) and Council Bill 2504-26 (WPCF FEN meter replacement, fund 336/program 048) were introduced for first reading. Third and final readings scheduled for May 14, 2025. No questions or votes taken. Key Outcomes - Minutes of April 23, 2025: Approved with Councilmember Fossey abstaining (6-1, with Fossey abstaining). - Consent Calendar (Items 1–3, 5–10): Approved unanimously (6-0). - Action Item 4 (Silver Lake Regatta): Approved unanimously (7-0) after discussion, authorizing the Seattle Outboard Association to hold the boating regatta in 2025. - Direction to Administration: Councilmember Ryan requested additional emphasis patrols to address noise from modified mufflers, referencing the recent noise ordinance.

The Everett City Council met on Wednesday, April 23, 2025 at 12:30 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting included a presentation cancellation, public comment, council reports, and unanimous approval of consent items and one action item. Consent Calendar - Resolution authorizing claims against the city for $1,710,020.62 (period ending April 11, 2025). - Resolution authorizing payroll claims for $5,925,813.50 (period ending April 5, 2025). - Award of construction contract for Beverly Lake Sewer Replacement to Faber Construction Corporation of Lynden, WA for $2,485,193.98. - Resolution declaring a 2013 Police Interceptor Utility surplus and authorizing sale at public auction. All consent items were approved unanimously on a single roll call vote. Public Comments & Testimony - Evan Binghamman (Everett resident) spoke in opposition to the proposed Fulton Street project (sidewalks and bike path from Pacific to California). He argued that relocating the project two blocks east to Pine Street would be safer, wider, and avoid impacts to eight families' parking, business loading/unloading at DMH and Central Welding, and warehouse operations. He cited safety concerns at the California/Fulton intersection and requested council consider the alternative. Councilmember Ryan stated she would connect Mr. Binghamman with Public Works staff to follow up. Discussion Items - Mayor's Comments: Mayor reported attending the Economic Alliance Snohomish County annual meeting where former councilmember Paul Roberts received a Chair's Lifetime Legacy Award. He also announced a Workers' Memorial ceremony at 5 PM at Wetmore and Pacific. - Council Comments: Councilmember Zarlingo reported on the Regional Law and Justice Council meeting (therapeutic courts) and the Puget Sound Regional Council Transportation Policy Board (comprehensive plan certification). Councilmember Ryan noted attending the Lowell Neighborhood Association meeting and previewed the final design for the Lowell Playground replacement. Councilmember Vogley announced her retirement at the end of her term and encouraged residents to run for city council (filing week May 5–9). Councilmember Tui reported on an SNOH 911 meeting and an upcoming meeting in a new facility. - Administrative Update: Mayor stated staff contacted Compass regarding construction impacts for housing residents and will follow up on code compliance. Staff also will reconnect with Mr. Binghamman on his concerns. - City Attorney Report: Reported that city staff received federal grant funding for a competency diversion program for criminal defendants found not competent but not qualifying for civil commitment. The program is not yet available in Snohomish County due to lack of state funding. Key Outcomes - Consent items (1–4) approved unanimously. - Action Item – CB 2504-24 (3rd & final reading): Ordinance amending Ordinance 3916-22 (Edgewater Park Renovation Project) to accumulate design costs was approved unanimously (7–0).

The Everett City Council met on April 16, 2025, at 6:30 PM in Council Chambers to discuss a range of items including a consent calendar of routine approvals, the Everett 2044 Comprehensive Plan update, and a revised 2025 budget amendment that includes $600,000 for a multipurpose stadium. Public testimony focused heavily on affordable housing, anti-displacement policies, and the need for mobile home park protections. The council approved all consent items, passed a sewage disposal contract ordinance, closed the public hearing on the comprehensive plan, adopted two zoning map amendments, and approved the budget amendment. Consent Calendar - Resolution authorizing claims in the amount of $6,317,083.08 for the period ending March 29 to April 4, 2025. - Purchase and installation of playground equipment for Drew Nielsen Park from Landscape Structures, Inc. for $341,537.67. - Amendment No. 2 to the FEMA/MIL generator grant agreement. - Contract Change Order No. 1 for the West Marine View Drive/Alverson Blvd and 41st Street/Grand Avenue Pedestrian Improvements Project, $125,000, revised total $644,436.93. - Professional Services Agreement with EnviroIssues for water/sewer utility communications support. - Amendment No. 2 with Fehr & Peers for the 2024-2044 Comprehensive Plan Transportation Element and Transit Long Range Plan. - Interlocal Agreement Amendment with Snohomish County for Westin Building Connection not to exceed $110,000. - Consent to assignment of professional services from TranTech Engineering LLC to David Evans and Associates. - Transit Platform Use Agreement and Easement with Brixton Everett, LLC for the Everett Mall. All consent items were approved unanimously via roll call (7-0). Public Comments & Testimony - Alvaro Guien (Director of Connect Casino Road, works in Everett for 20 years): Expressed concern about Casino Road residents facing rent increases and displacement; urged adoption of anti-displacement policies and inclusionary zoning in the comprehensive plan. - Esmeralda (Family Developmental Coordinator, Connect Casino Road): Shared stories of families choosing between groceries and rent, living in overcrowded conditions, and working full-time yet still struggling. - Melinda Cervantes (South Everett resident, 10 years): Described the importance of community at the Village on Casino Road and the risk of displacement for hardworking families. - Yahaira Avalos (Hispanic community member): Told the story of an 11-person family living in a two-bedroom apartment, sleeping under the table and in the bathtub; requested more affordable housing. - Paola Sabogal (Casino Road resident, eight people in a two-bedroom): Asked for affordable housing programs included in the city's plan. - Silvia Mendoza (23-year Everett resident): Concerned about high rents and shared housing; asked for protections to avoid displacement, valuing walkability to essential services. - Lawrence Eastlick (Silver Lake resident, Silver Shores Mobile Home Park): Asked for a zoning overlay to protect seniors living on Social Security from displacement if the park is sold to a developer. - Robin Olsen (South Everett resident, neighbor of Eastlick): Echoed the need for a zoning overlay, noting the park is for sale and residents fear rent hikes and eviction. - Leanne (Madison neighborhood resident): Opposed the construction of two large DADUs (over 1,000 sq ft each) at 6315 West Beach Street, citing parking, privacy, and neighborhood integrity concerns; criticized the out-of-town developer. - Linda Warponnet (Southwest Everett resident, 20+ years): Emphasized the need for strong anti-displacement policies ahead of light rail, inclusionary zoning, and community involvement in planning for District Four. - Joseph Stremmick (23-year resident): Expressed support for expanding Everett Public Library hours and increasing resources in uncertain federal times. - Jasmine Smith (Director of Local Advocacy, FutureWise): Summarized community feedback from workshops on casino road, including cost of housing, anti-displacement, inclusionary zoning, corner stores, and housing diversity. - Jeanette (Fairway Estates mobile home park resident): Described a 260-resident, 55+ park with 30 veteran families; reported a rent increase from $850 to $1,605 by corporate owner Carlisle Group; urgently requested a zoning overlay to prevent sale to a developer. - Bobby Thompson (Executive Director, Housing Consortium of Everett & Snohomish County): Presented recommendations based on community engagement, including anti-displacement designation, inclusionary zoning, faith-owned land flexibility, and corner store zoning tailored to Casino Road. Discussion Items - Everett 2044 Comprehensive Plan Update: Planning Director York Stevenswatch and Long-Range Planning Manager Alison Wentzel presented the draft plan and development regulations, released April 7. Key elements include policies on inclusionary housing, mobile home park protection, and map amendments. Public hearing held; council closed the hearing after public testimony. Staff noted a 60-day state review period and further public hearings ahead. - Zoning Map Amendments (Councilmember Bader): - 9300 West Mall Drive: Moved from MU-15 (15 floors) to UR-7 (7 stories) to provide a transition adjacent to neighborhood residential (NR). Approved unanimously (7-0). - Southwest corner of 100th Street and Holly Drive: Moved from UR-7 to UR-4 (4 stories) to match adjacent zoning and create buffer. Approved unanimously (7-0). - Neighborhood Commercial Locations: Councilmember Bader expressed concern about parking impacts if neighborhood commercial is allowed on non-arterial streets. Councilmember Ryan supported the draft plan as is. Councilmember Zarlingo favored a progressive approach. Councilmember Fossey noted the area is a food desert and needs amenities. The council agreed to schedule further discussion at a future meeting rather than vote tonight. - Budget Amendment (CB 2503-22): Third and final reading to approve the 2025 revised city budget, including $600,000 for the multipurpose stadium. Councilmember Twee raised concerns about lack of financial details on stadium costs and operations, but supported the overall budget. The mayor stated final stadium costs will be known at the end of the progressive design-build process. Key Outcomes - Consent Calendar (Items 1-9): Approved unanimously (7-0). - Item 10 (CB 2504-24) – Edgewater Park Renovation: Second reading; final reading scheduled for April 23, 2025. - Item 11 (CB 2503-23) – Expired Sewage Disposal Contracts: Approved unanimously (7-0). - Item 12 – Everett 2044 Comprehensive Plan: Public hearing closed (7-0). Council will receive a comment summary and return for final adoption after May 12. - Item 13 – 2025 Budget Amendment (CB 2503-22): Approved (6-0; Councilmember Fossey excused). Includes $600,000 for the multipurpose stadium. - Zoning Map Amendments: Two amendments by Councilmember Bader passed unanimously (7-0 each). - Mobile Home Park Policy: Staff is working on a zoning overlay; likely will be a separate ordinance after the comprehensive plan update. - Neighborhood Commercial: Council will hold additional discussions to address parking and other concerns before finalizing.

The Budget & Finance Committee met on April 16, 2025, at 5:30 PM in City Council Chambers. The committee reviewed year-to-date budget performance through February 28, 2025, received a summary of community budget outreach conducted in August 2024 following the failure of Proposition 1, and discussed improvements to the council budget book. No votes were taken; the meeting was informational and deliberative. Year-to-Date Budget Performance (through February 2025) - Finance Director Heidi Berlantez and Assistant Finance Director Jamie Lee Graves presented the revenue and expenditure overview. - General government revenues exceeded projections by approximately $1.2 million, with total revenues for February reaching just over $983,000. This was attributed to timing of operating transfers, miscellaneous revenues, and Business & Occupation (B&O) and sales tax collections. - B&O tax receipts increased by $360,546 (8.3%) compared to budget. The largest quarterly payments occur in January, April, July, and October. - Sales tax collections were $17,389 (0.3%) above budget. February collections reflect economic activity from December 2024. - Expenditures remain below budget due to strong departmental fiscal discipline, but future increases are anticipated from the collective bargaining agreement approved March 18, 2025, which will require retroactive pay adjustments. - Councilmember Martu asked whether rental income from apartment buildings is subject to B&O tax. Jamie Lee Graves replied that the tax typically applies to retail, construction, manufacturing, and wholesale industries, but specific analysis would be needed for apartment leasing. - Councilmember questioned the drop in construction sales tax; Graves noted that the numbers reflect December activity, and while permit processing has increased 340%, actual construction spending depends on market conditions. Community Budget Outreach Survey Results - Heidi Berlantez presented results from the 2024 outreach, which included three public meetings, a citywide survey, and email/mail feedback. The survey received 482 responses. - The top community priority identified was Safe Community, followed by Housing/Transportation/Infrastructure, Responsive & Responsible Government, Economic/Workforce/Cultural Vitality, and Engaged & Informed Community. - When asked about potential budget cuts, the top five areas residents identified were: neighborhood group support, parking enforcement, business support, police community outreach, and events/arts/culture. - A side-by-side comparison showed that the city’s general government budget allocation aligns with these priorities: 59% of the general government budget is dedicated to Safe Community. - The city will not repeat a large-scale survey this year, as standard municipal practice is to conduct such surveys every two years. Public engagement remains open via phone, email, public hearings, and written feedback. - Councilmember Bader noted that the general government budget does not fully reflect the city’s total investment in housing/transportation/infrastructure (e.g., Everett Transit, public works), which constitutes the largest share of the total city budget. He also asked if the survey process prompted any changes in budget presentation. Heidi Berlantez said the team would consider how to better walk through the budget book for council and the public. - Councilmember Rizerlingo observed that residents in face-to-face sessions found it difficult to specify specific cuts when presented with concrete options, and that there is strong public interest in the city’s long-term fiscal sustainability and efficiency. Council Budget Book Discussion - Council President Schwab (implicitly chairing) noted that she and Councilmember Ryan met with Finance Director Heidi Berlantez and staff to brainstorm improvements to the council budget book. - A key idea was to provide councilmembers with a high-level summary packet (alongside the mayor’s budget message) a week or two before the full budget book is released, allowing time to review the big picture before diving into details. - Specific charts and formatting improvements were discussed. The committee expressed support for this approach moving forward. Key Outcomes - No formal votes were taken; the meeting was for discussion and information. - The city will not conduct a major budget survey in 2025, relying on 2024 results and ongoing public input channels. - Staff will explore ways to improve the budget book presentation for council and the public, including providing a high-level summary packet ahead of the full budget book. - The committee will continue to monitor year-to-date budget performance and adjust forecasts as needed.

The Everett City Council held its regular meeting on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at 6:30 PM in the City Council Chambers. Key actions included approval of a Flock Safety drone-as-a-first-responder program and tabled a budget amendment containing $600,000 for initial legal and consulting fees for the outdoor multi-purpose stadium project. Councilmember Fossey was excused. Consent Calendar - Approved minutes of April 2, 2025. - Adopted Resolution authorizing claims against the city for $4,681,750.88 (period ending March 28, 2025). - Adopted Resolution authorizing payroll claims for $5,561,992.84 (period ending March 22, 2025). - Adopted Resolution declaring a 1998 Ford F-800 Versalift bucket truck surplus and authorizing auction. - Authorized the Mayor to sign a Delegate Physician Agreement at $5,800 per month for the emergency medical response program. Public Comments & Testimony - Timothy Chipman (Everett, District 2): Expressed frustration with ongoing construction at the Compass facility on Broadway, citing early-morning jackhammer noise and diesel exhaust from dump trucks. He stated he had exhausted other efforts and was seeking outside help. - Annie Lyman (Everett resident): Thanked the city for a smooth ADU permit process, but expressed concern that the City Attorney appeared to side with the Master Builders in court regarding a citizen initiative on clean water/air. She wanted clarity on the city’s position. - Paula Townshalt (representing Snohomish County Indivisible): Announced a rally on April 19, 2025, along Broadway (700 North Broadway to 41st Street), expected to be larger than the prior rally of over 3,500 attendees. She requested a permit and emphasized peaceful, family-friendly protest against federal cuts. Discussion Items - Council Comments: Members shared updates on a Quick Quack Car Wash ribbon-cutting, a WSU Everett hackathon focused on privacy, PSRC regional planning, a Riverside neighborhood meeting on the Flock drone program, Arbor Day tree planting, and upcoming arts awards. - City Attorney Response: Clarified that the city’s attendance at the court hearing on the citizen initiative was solely to seek procedural clarity on standing, not to oppose the initiative’s merits. Proposed Action Items - Item 5 (WASPC Grant): Approved unanimously to accept a $253,900 U.S. Department of Justice Project Safe Neighborhoods grant. Councilmember Vogley asked about audit clauses; staff confirmed 30-day hard delete of license plate data and that audits would only cover financial compliance. - Item 6 (Sewage disposal contracts): Second reading; final reading scheduled for April 16, 2025. - Item 7 (Edgewater Park Renovation): First reading to amend Ordinance 3916-22 to accumulate design costs; final reading April 22, 2025. Action Items - Items 8 & 9 (Flock Safety Drone Program): Council debated and approved both items on a 5-1 vote (Councilmember Vogley dissented). The resolution waives competitive bidding and authorizes a sole-source purchase for a drone-as-a-first-responder system: first year at $0 for the first drone, $50,000 for a second drone (for full city coverage), and approximately $307,000 per year per drone with radar thereafter. The product addendum was also approved. Staff presented metrics—average 90-second drone response vs. 4-4.5 minute officer response, 20% reduction in patrol callouts, and detailed privacy protections (no facial recognition, no random patrol, no surveillance of First Amendment activities). Civil rights safeguards and a public dashboard were highlighted. The contract includes an opt-out after year one. Councilmember Vogley expressed concerns about civil liberties and policy changes. - Item 10 (2025 Revised Budget Amendment – including $600,000 for stadium legal/consulting fees): A detailed breakdown was provided: $25,000 PFM financial advisory, $45,000 Miller Nash LLP, $75,000 Kim Horn Group (relocation analysis), $120,000 appraisals (14–22 properties), $180,000 Stafford Group (third-party validation), and $180,000 for actual legal fees. Councilmember Vogley moved to table the entire budget amendment for one week to increase public visibility on the stadium funding piece. The motion to table passed 3-2 (Zarlingo, Tui, Schwab in favor; Ryan, Vogley opposed; Bader abstained). The item will be revisited on April 16, 2025. Key Outcomes - Consent items 1–4 approved unanimously. - Items 5, 6, 7 approved as noted. - Items 8 & 9 approved (5-1). - Item 10 tabled to April 16, 2025, with instruction to update the agenda title and provide additional briefing on the progressive design-build process and stadium funding.

The Parks & Built Environment Committee of the Everett City Council met on April 9, 2025, at 5:00 PM in City Council Chambers. Councilmembers Vogley, Ryan, and Sarlingo were present, along with Mayor Jennifer Gregerson and attorney David Hall. The committee discussed two main agenda items: the vacant storefronts policy development process and Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) policy. Key outcomes included plans for a June town hall on vacant storefronts and a request for staff analysis of CPTED integration into city code. Vacant Storefronts Policy Development Process Discussion - Councilmember Vogley opened the discussion by referencing photos of vacant storefronts presented at a prior meeting and introduced the goal of defining the process, stakeholders, and next steps for policy development. - Mayor Gregerson reported that planning staff have not yet begun work on code changes because they are focused on the comprehensive plan, scheduled for council adoption on June 11, 2025. After that date, staff will be able to work on vacant storefronts policy. - The Public Works Department has a summer intern who will conduct a census of storefronts and perform outreach to property owners, starting in May. The intern will send letters informing owners of existing code requirements rather than conducting door-to-door enforcement. - Councilmember Ryan proposed holding a roundtable or town hall in June (in lieu of the regular committee meeting) with stakeholders such as the Downtown Everett Association, property owners, business owners, the Chamber, and planning/code enforcement staff. The purpose would be to identify barriers to filling vacancies and gather input on code revisions. - Councilmember Sarlingo suggested a phased approach: first, use the intern to survey the worst offenders and gather perspectives from other cities; then, after obtaining feedback from the Downtown Everett Association, take targeted enforcement actions based on current code. He emphasized the need for specific, actionable steps. - Councilmember Ryan countered that a listening session first would help ensure the policy addresses real barriers (e.g., building code compliance, change-of-use issues) and avoids unintended harm to property owners. - Councilmember Vogley expressed strong support for a town hall, stating she would help with invitations and groundwork. The committee agreed to aim for a June 11 outdoor town hall (location TBD) as a replacement for the regular committee meeting. CPTED Policy Discussion - The committee reviewed a code example from the City of SeaTac that codifies Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles, including lighting, visibility, landscaping, and building facade requirements for new development and major renovations. - Councilmember Vogley noted that many CPTED elements likely already exist in Everett’s code but are scattered across different sections. She raised concerns about nuisance properties, particularly vacant houses along Lombard Street, and asked whether buffer zones or SODA (Solicitation Ordinance District) zones could trigger enhanced CPTED enforcement or specialized lighting standards. - Councilmember Ryan observed that the SeaTac code applies to new construction and large expansions, and suggested that simply creating a one-page summary of CPTED principles (and where they appear in existing code) could help property owners and streamline enforcement. - Councilmember Sarlingo questioned the legal mechanisms for holding property owners responsible for repeated police calls and code violations. Mayor Gregerson confirmed that code enforcement can issue fines and file liens, and that extreme cases (e.g., drug abatement) can lead to demolition with a lien on the property. - The committee discussed the need for cross-departmental coordination between code enforcement, police, and planning, especially for properties in high-crime buffer zones. Key Outcomes - Vacant Storefronts: The committee will hold a public town hall in June (likely June 11) to hear from downtown stakeholders. The summer intern will conduct a storefront census and initial outreach in May. Staff will provide an update at the May committee meeting. - CPTED Policy: Councilmember Vogley will request from staff a comprehensive analysis of how CPTED principles are currently integrated into Everett’s municipal code, and a report on whether buffer zones or SODA zones can be paired with additional CPTED requirements (e.g., enhanced lighting, landscaping standards). The committee will also explore ways to enhance code enforcement processes for nuisance properties. - The next committee meeting (May) will include updates on the intern’s work, feedback from the Downtown Everett Association, and continued discussion of CPTED policy options.

The Everett City Council met on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at 6:30 PM in the City Council Chambers. The meeting included approval of prior minutes, a mayor's comment, public testimony, council comments, consent items, and action on several ordinances. Key topics included a revised city budget amendment (with a focus on stadium legal fees), youth safety initiatives, a new drone program, and public concerns about abandoned properties. Consent Calendar - Approved Resolution authorizing claims against the city in the amount of $5,287,176.58 for the period ending March 21, 2025. - Authorized the Mayor to sign an Interagency Agreement with the Washington Traffic Safety Commission for the 2025 FG 5539-Region 10 Walker Roller Safety Grant. - Adopted a Resolution declaring a 2014 Cat CB-24B Asphalt Roller surplus and authorizing sale at public auction. All consent items passed by a unanimous roll call vote (8-0-1 abstention on minutes, but consent items themselves passed with no abstentions noted). Public Comments & Testimony - Jose Vilas (Port Gardner resident, District 2) voiced strong concerns about abandoned, burned, and boarded-up properties surrounding Compass Health and the Andes Place facility. He stated these properties are “a magnet for crime, homelessness, and loitering” and urged the city to hold landlords accountable to either fix up or tear down the buildings. He noted the properties create safety hazards and undermine the treatment environment for patients. He requested the council and administration visit the area to see the conditions firsthand. Discussion Items - Budget Amendment (CB 2503-22 – 2nd Reading): Scott Pattison presented a slide detailing the $600,000 allocation for initial legal fees related to the outdoor municipal stadium project. He explained that the funds cover outside legal counsel, relocation services (Kimley Horn), financial planning (PFM), and a sports consulting firm (Stafford Sports). Council members raised questions about transparency, noting that the budget amendment lumped together items without specifying dollar amounts per firm. Councilmember Thuy requested more itemization to improve public visibility. Councilmember Ryan asked whether relocation services have already started (they haven’t; they await budget approval). City Attorney David Hall clarified that some of the “legal” expenses include non-lawyer consultants. Councilmember Vogley asked for numerical breakdowns, and staff committed to providing estimates. The item will have a third and final reading on April 9, 2025. - Expired Wholesale Sewage Disposal Contracts (CB 2503-23 – 1st Reading): Ordinance to amend EMC 14.04.150 regarding expired contracts. No questions were raised. Third reading scheduled for April 16, 2025. Key Outcomes - Approved minutes of March 26, 2025 (8 yes, 1 abstention). - Passed all three consent items unanimously. - Action Item (CB 2503-20 – 3rd Reading): Approved closing the Special Improvement Project “Sewer ‘O’ Utility Upgrades Phase 2” (unanimous roll call).� - Action Item (CB 2503-21 – 3rd Reading): Approved creating a new Special Improvement Project “Everett Point Industrial Center (EPIC) Green Bridge” (unanimous roll call). - No further items; meeting adjourned.

The Community Health and Safety Committee met on April 2, 2025, to receive a presentation from the Everett Police Department and Flock Safety on a proposed Drone as a First Responder (DFR) program. The committee heard details on the technology, pilot program costs, privacy protections, and potential benefits, followed by discussion and questions from council members. No formal vote was taken; the committee directed staff to proceed with public outreach and a pilot phase. Discussion Items - Drone as a First Responder (DFR) Presentation: Chief DeRoos, Captain Robert Getz, and representatives from Flock Safety (Garrett Thompson and Brett Conda) presented a live demonstration of the DFR system. The program would deploy two drone docks (one at the South Precinct and one at the North Precinct) to provide near‑continuous coverage of Everett 24/7. Key features include: an average response time of approximately 86 seconds (vs. over four minutes for priority‑one calls); the ability to resolve at least 20% of calls without sending a ground unit; integration with existing license‑plate readers and computer‑aided dispatch; and safety de‑confliction via ground‑based radar. The drones are limited to 400 feet (FAA maximum) and will not be used for routine patrol, random surveillance, immigration enforcement, or facial recognition. A public‑facing dashboard will show flight logs, call types, and metrics, but not live video. - Funding Structure: Flock Safety offered a one‑year pilot at no cost for the first drone dock. A second dock is offered at a heavily reduced rate of $50,000 (available in non‑general fund sources). Year‑two costs are estimated at approximately $300,000 per year; the department plans to pursue grants, public‑private partnerships, and other non‑general‑fund sources. The agreement includes an opt‑out clause after the first year at no further cost to the city. - Stakeholder Positions: Councilmembers expressed support for the program, citing potential improvements in officer safety, response times, and evidence‑gathering. Councilmember Zarlingo noted the need to evaluate the trade‑off between technology and officer staffing. Police leadership emphasized that the DFR program would not replace officers but would serve as a force multiplier. The department also highlighted community engagement efforts, including a virtual public meeting scheduled for April 3, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. Key Outcomes - The committee received the presentation and discussion. No formal motion or vote was taken. - Staff were directed to continue public outreach and proceed with the pilot program, contingent on council authorization for the mayor to sign the two‑year agreement with Flock Safety. - The department will report back to the committee after the pilot with data on response times, calls handled, and community feedback. - The next committee meeting will consider an opioid spending plan briefing (May) and legislative impacts briefing (May/June), among other pending items.