Edmonds City Council Regular Meeting - June 2, 2026
Edmonds City Council Regular Meeting - June 2, 2026
The Edmonds City Council convened on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at 6:00 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting included a proclamation designating Edmonds as the first community of service in the nation, a finance update from the mayor, audience comments, and two major council business items: adoption of a temporary ordinance regulating family burial grounds and approval of the 2027-2032 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). The meeting adjourned at 7:34 PM.
Consent Calendar
- Approved minutes of the May 26, 2026 council meeting.
- Approved claim checks and wire payments from May 27, 2026.
- Both items passed unanimously.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Elizabeth Seabacher (Edmonds resident) addressed noise pollution from vehicles, citing health studies and existing city laws that are not enforced. She requested the council prioritize enforcement.
- Logan Chong (Edmonds resident) alleged discriminatory enforcement by a code enforcement officer against his family and claimed no response to his prior complaints. He asked for fair treatment.
- Xiaomi (Edmonds resident, spoke through translation) stated her family immigrated to the U.S. for freedom and fairness, and requested equal treatment from the city.
- Jim Loganowski (Edmonds resident) commented on the mayor's finance update, stating that the mayor cannot unilaterally move funds and that the council must act on a $2 million general fund deficit. He urged immediate discussion of fund transfers.
- Kenny (Edmonds resident) discussed the TIP, noting that the Ebbtide missing link project was never in the city's transportation plan despite significant litigation costs ($4,000 legal hours). He requested additional oversight for future capital project litigation.
Presentations
- Proclamation for Edmonds Serves: Mayor Rosen proclaimed Edmonds the first "Community of Service" in the nation, recognizing volunteerism and civic engagement. Brian Baird (founder, National Museum and Center for Service) and Daniel Johnson (Edmonds Waterfront Center) accepted and highlighted a week of community posters.
- Mayor's Finance Update: Mayor Rosen explained the difference between cash accounting and accrual accounting, noting that an internal loan between city funds causes a negative general fund balance on year-end statements but does not mean the city cannot pay bills. He acknowledged a long-term structural deficit where costs grow faster than revenues, and thanked council for the recent budget retreat.
Discussion Items
- Family Burial Grounds (HB 2239) – Third Reading: Mike Clugston (Planning and Development) presented a six-month interim ordinance to prohibit family burial grounds while the city develops permanent regulations. Councilmember Payne moved to set a public hearing for June 23, 2026, and adopt the interim ordinance. Councilmembers expressed support for a temporary pause to study land use impacts. Councilmember Nand requested a carve-out for alternative methods like cremation or hydrolysis, but no amendment was made. The motion passed unanimously.
- Adoption of the 2027-2032 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP): After a public hearing the previous week, staff opened for questions. Councilmember Chan moved to adopt the resolution approving the TIP. Discussion included two amendments:
- Councilmember Olson's amendment to add a pedestrian safety crossing improvement at 100th Avenue West at Firdale Village to the 2027 TIP. After debate, the amendment failed unanimously. Councilmembers cited a need for further study, prioritization through normal processes, and coordination with Shoreline.
- Council President Dash's amendment to change project #22 (bike lanes on Main Street from Ferry Terminal to 6th Avenue) from high to low priority. Councilmembers debated impacts on parking, bistro dining, ADA compliance, safety, and fiscal constraints. The amendment failed 4-3. (Four members voted against lowering priority, three in favor.) The main motion to adopt the TIP as presented passed unanimously.
Key Outcomes
- Family Burial Grounds Interim Ordinance: Set public hearing for June 23, 2026; adopted a six-month temporary prohibition on family burial grounds. (Unanimous)
- 2027-2032 TIP Adoption: Approved the six-year transportation improvement program and directed filing with WSDOT. (Unanimous after amendments failed)
- Council Directives: The council will continue to address the general fund deficit, explore revenue options, and consider further study of the Firdale Village pedestrian crossing for future TIP cycles.
Meeting Transcript
Good evening. Welcome to June and the June 2nd meeting of the Edmonds City Council. We are now called to order. Would you please join me in the flag salute? I pleased the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands. One nation, under God, individual with liberty and justice for all. Thank you. For the land acknowledgement, Council President Dash, please. Thank you. We acknowledge the original inhabitants of this place, the Sohomish people and their successors, the Talayed up tribes, who since time and memorial 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. Lani, can we have a roll call? Councilmember Eck. Here. Councilmember Chen. Councilmember Barnett. Council President Dodge. Councilmember Olson. Councilmember Payne. Councilmember Nand. Mayor Rosen. All elected officials are present. Thank you. Next item of business is approval of the agenda. Second. It's been moved and seconded to approve the agenda. All in favor, please raise your hands and say aye. Aye. Anyone opposed, please raise your hand and say nay. Motion carries unanimously. Thank you. Our next item of business is presentations. And we have a proclamation for Edmonds Serves. Joining me is Brian Baird, who is founder and executive director of the National Museum and Center for Service. And also with him is Daniel Johnson from the Edmonds Waterfront Center and David Owens, who is also a board member of the National Center. I have a few whereas. Whereas Edmonds has long been recognized as a compassionate and civically engaged city. And whereas Edmonds Serves is a citywide initiative that celebrates these stories of service by highlighting individuals and organizations who generously give of themselves and their time strengthening our community. And whereas the City of Edmonds has been named the first community of service in the nation by the National National Museum and Center for Service, recognizing our city's extraordinary commitment to volunteerism, civic participation, and care for one another. I'm going to emphasize the first in the nation. Whereas, as the United States approaches the celebration of our nation's 250th anniversary, Edmonds provides a powerful example of how communities can honor this legacy, a country founded upon ideals of service, civic responsibility, and shared purpose. And whereas during a time when visitors from around the world will visit our region, Edmond stands as a shining example of the beauty of welcoming community, demonstrating both outward hospitality and inward values of kindness, unity, volunteerism, and belonging. Now therefore I, Mike Rosen, Mayor, proudly acknowledge the City of Edmonds designation as the first community of service and encourage all residents to celebrate and participate in acts of service, volunteerism, and community connection that continue to make Edmonds as an exceptional place to live, work, and belong. Mr. Congressman. Thank you so much. Mayor, thank you so much. Distinguished Council members.
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