OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Edmonds City Council Regular Meeting – May 26, 2026

City Council & Boards — Tuesday, May 26, 2026
BodyEdmonds, Washington
SessionCity Council & Boards
DateTuesday, May 26, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 2:01:49

Transcript — Verbatim
0:13

Good evening and welcome.

0:15

It is we are calling to order the May 26th meeting of the Edmonds City Council.

0:20

Would you all please join me in the flag salute?

0:30

For which it stands.

0:31

One nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice.

0:39

Thank you.

0:40

Councilmember Olson, would you do the land acknowledgement, please?

0:43

Yes, sir.

0:44

We acknowledge the original inhabitants of this place, the Snohomish people, and their successors, the Tullip tribes, who since time immemorial have hunted, fished, gathered, and taken care of these lands.

0:56

We respect their sovereignty, their right to self-determination, and we honor their sacred spiritual connection with the land and water.

1:04

Thank you.

1:04

Mr.

1:05

Lonnie, can we do a roll call, please?

1:08

Councilmember Eck.

1:09

Councilmember Chen.

1:11

Councilmember Barnett.

1:12

Council President Dodge.

1:14

Councilmember Olson.

1:15

Councilmember Payne.

1:17

Councilmember Nand.

1:18

Mayor Rosen.

1:19

All elected officials are present.

1:21

Thank you.

1:22

Our next item of business is approval of the agenda.

1:27

It's been moved and seconded to approve the agenda.

1:29

All in favor, please raise your hands and say aye.

1:32

Aye.

1:32

Anybody opposed, please raise your hand and say nay.

1:34

Motion is carried unanimously.

1:36

Thank you.

1:37

Our next item is our next item of business is presentations.

1:52

And uh Rowan, I think you're going to be joining me at the voting.

2:17

As I mentioned, this is to proclaim June 2026 as LGBTQ plus Pride Month.

2:23

Whereas on June 28th, 1969, patrons of the Stonewall Inn in New York City rose up and resisted police harassment.

2:31

It had become all too all too common for members of the LGBTQ plus community.

2:36

The events at Stonewall became a defining moment for the LGBTQ plus rights movement in America and our commitment to achieving equal justice under the law for the LGBTQ plus community.

2:49

And whereas our nation was founded upon the declaration that all people are created equal, that life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are among the inalienable rights of every person, and that each person shall be accorded the equal protection of the law.

3:03

And whereas the City of Edmund supports the right of every resident to live with dignity, equality, and freedom from discrimination.

3:10

And whereas the LGBTQ plus community has made great strides forward, but equality, inclusion, and acceptance have not yet been fully achieved and continue to be challenged even now in 2026.

3:23

We must practice and teach these values to future generations.

3:27

Now, therefore, I Mike Rosen, Mayor of the City of Edmonds, to hereby proclaim June 2026 as LGBTQ plus Pride Month in the City of Edmonds, and I encourage all residents to recognize the significant contributions of the LGBTQ plus individuals, celebrate the progress made towards judges justice and equity, and to join together to ensure that every person is treated with respect, dignity, and equality.

3:52

Ron, we can carry it up.

3:55

Thank you.

3:56

As Mayor Mike Rosen said, my name is Rowan Soisett, and I'm the director of Edmonds Pride, which is our local LGBTQ nonprofit that puts on the Edmonds Pride Festival.

4:06

As a lifelong queer Edmonds resident and director of Edmonds Pride, I would like to say thank you so much to the City of Edmonds for extending this proclamation to recognize June as Pride Month.

4:17

We're at a very pivotal point in our collective history where we have the choice to keep moving forwards towards joy, acceptance, and community, or to plunge ourselves backwards into darkness.

4:28

It is more important than ever to be able to put actions behind our words as visibility without protection is dangerous at best and fatal at worst.

4:47

Thank you.

5:00

And I'm going to ask Dean Olsen and a few others wearing orange to maybe join me here.

5:23

He's not as much.

5:27

So whereas National Gun Safety Awareness Month is dedicated to raising awareness about gun violence, honoring victims and survivors, and advocating for stronger gun safety measures.

5:37

And whereas residents are encouraged to participate in this effort by wearing orange on June 5th or today to help raise awareness about the impact of gun violence.

5:47

And whereas cities across the nation, including Edmonds, are working to end the senseless violence with evidence-based solutions and supporting Second Amendment rights of law-abiding residents while keeping guns away from people prohibited by law from possessing them.

6:02

And whereas mayors, council members, and law enforcement officers, in partnership with local violence intervention activists and resources, know their communities best, are the most familiar with local criminal activity and how to address it, and are best positioned to understand how to keep their residents safe.

6:18

And whereas we renew our commitment to reduce gun violence and pledge to do all we can to keep firearms out of the wrong hands and encourage responsible gun ownership to help keep our children and our families safe.

6:29

Now, therefore I am Mike Rosen, mayor of the city of Edmonds to hereby proclaim the month of June 2026 to be National Gun Safety Awareness Month and urge all Edmonds residents to recognize the critical importance of gun violence prevention and promote the practice of safe firearm storage.

6:46

Dean.

6:52

Okay.

6:53

Good evening, Mayor Rosen and members of the Edmonds City Council.

6:58

My name is Dean Olson.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Transportation Safety█████████████████████████████29%
Public Engagement███████████████15%
Public Safety█████████████13%
Land Use Regulations█████████9%
Procedural███████7%
Pedestrian Safety████4%
Environmental Protection████4%
Active Transportation███3%
Tree Regulations███3%
Summary of Proceedings

Edmonds City Council Regular Meeting – May 26, 2026

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).

Meeting Transcript

Good evening and welcome. It is we are calling to order the May 26th meeting of the Edmonds City Council. Would you all please join me in the flag salute? For which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice. Thank you. Councilmember Olson, would you do the land acknowledgement, please? Yes, sir. We acknowledge the original inhabitants of this place, the Snohomish people, and their successors, the Tullip tribes, who since time immemorial have hunted, fished, gathered, and taken care of these lands. We respect their sovereignty, their right to self-determination, and we honor their sacred spiritual connection with the land and water. Thank you. Mr. Lonnie, can we do a roll call, please? Councilmember Eck. Councilmember Chen. Councilmember Barnett. Council President Dodge. Councilmember Olson. Councilmember Payne. Councilmember Nand. Mayor Rosen. All elected officials are present. Thank you. Our next item of business is approval of the agenda. It's been moved and seconded to approve the agenda. All in favor, please raise your hands and say aye. Aye. Anybody opposed, please raise your hand and say nay. Motion is carried unanimously. Thank you. Our next item is our next item of business is presentations. And uh Rowan, I think you're going to be joining me at the voting. As I mentioned, this is to proclaim June 2026 as LGBTQ plus Pride Month. Whereas on June 28th, 1969, patrons of the Stonewall Inn in New York City rose up and resisted police harassment. It had become all too all too common for members of the LGBTQ plus community. The events at Stonewall became a defining moment for the LGBTQ plus rights movement in America and our commitment to achieving equal justice under the law for the LGBTQ plus community. And whereas our nation was founded upon the declaration that all people are created equal, that life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are among the inalienable rights of every person, and that each person shall be accorded the equal protection of the law. And whereas the City of Edmund supports the right of every resident to live with dignity, equality, and freedom from discrimination. And whereas the LGBTQ plus community has made great strides forward, but equality, inclusion, and acceptance have not yet been fully achieved and continue to be challenged even now in 2026. We must practice and teach these values to future generations. Now, therefore, I Mike Rosen, Mayor of the City of Edmonds, to hereby proclaim June 2026 as LGBTQ plus Pride Month in the City of Edmonds, and I encourage all residents to recognize the significant contributions of the LGBTQ plus individuals, celebrate the progress made towards judges justice and equity, and to join together to ensure that every person is treated with respect, dignity, and equality. Ron, we can carry it up. Thank you. As Mayor Mike Rosen said, my name is Rowan Soisett, and I'm the director of Edmonds Pride, which is our local LGBTQ nonprofit that puts on the Edmonds Pride Festival. As a lifelong queer Edmonds resident and director of Edmonds Pride, I would like to say thank you so much to the City of Edmonds for extending this proclamation to recognize June as Pride Month. We're at a very pivotal point in our collective history where we have the choice to keep moving forwards towards joy, acceptance, and community, or to plunge ourselves backwards into darkness. It is more important than ever to be able to put actions behind our words as visibility without protection is dangerous at best and fatal at worst. Thank you. And I'm going to ask Dean Olsen and a few others wearing orange to maybe join me here. He's not as much.

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