OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Edmonds City Council Regular Meeting - June 23, 2026

City Council & Boards — Tuesday, June 23, 2026
BodyEdmonds, Washington
SessionCity Council & Boards
DateTuesday, June 23, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 2:05:20

Transcript — Verbatim
0:18

I got me a hammer.

0:31

Good evening.

0:32

It is June twenty-third.

0:34

This is the Edmund City Council, and I'm going to call this meeting to order.

0:37

We're going to do a little bit of a different thing tonight.

0:40

We're having a birthday in this country, you might have heard.

0:42

So if you'll all join me in the flag salute, and then stay standing, because Lily Olson is over here from Edmonds Woodway High School, and she will play the national anthem for us.

0:54

So please join me in the pledge.

3:42

Thank you.

4:02

Thank you.

4:04

Mr.

4:05

Luke, may we have a roll call, please?

4:07

Councilmember Eck.

4:09

Councilmember Chen.

4:10

Councilmember Barnett.

4:12

Council President Dodge.

4:13

Councilmember Olson.

4:15

Here.

4:16

Councilmember Payne.

4:17

Councilmember Nand.

4:18

Mayor Rosen.

4:19

All elected officials are present.

4:21

Thank you.

4:22

Our next item of business is approval of the agenda.

4:25

Motion to approve the agenda.

4:27

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

4:30

I'd like to pull item eight point six and place it as ten point one on or sorry, excuse me.

4:45

Thank you.

4:48

Sorry.

4:51

Councilmember Barnett.

4:52

Yes.

4:53

I moved to amend the agenda by uh moving uh council um eight point six approval of the PSA uh sewer comprehensive plan update to council business uh eight point two.

5:06

10.2.

5:07

10.2.

5:07

My apologies.

5:08

Understood.

5:09

Thank you.

5:10

With those changes.

5:14

Let's vote on the agenda.

5:15

All in favor of approving the agenda, please raise your hands and say aye.

5:19

Aye.

5:19

Anybody opposed, please raise your hand to say nay.

5:22

Motion is approved unanimously.

5:24

Thank you.

5:24

Thank you, Lily.

5:27

Our next item of business is presentations, the first being a proclamation on the 250th anniversary of the Declaration.

5:35

And joining me at the podium will be my colleague to my left, Susan Payne, because she is a direct descendant of Robert Treat Payne, whose name you might recognize on the bottom of the Declaration.

6:08

Whereas on July 4th, 1776, the second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence declaring, we hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

6:27

And whereas July 4th, 2026 will mark the 250th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, the founding of the United States of America, and provides a meaningful time to reflect about how we think about our rights, governance, and the role of government.

6:42

And whereas preserving, studying, celebrating, and appreciating our shared history helps strengthen our community as we work together toward the ideals of liberty and equality expressed in the Declaration of Independence.

6:54

And whereas the residents of Edmonds, through their diverse backgrounds, experiences, and contributions, help carry forward the principles and ideals that have shaped our nation since its founding.

7:04

Now, therefore, I Mike Rosen, Mayor of Edmonds, do hereby proclaim that the City of Edmonds will engage in commemorative activities during the United States 250th year and call upon all residents to reflect upon the significance of this commemoration and the role our community and its diverse people have played in the history and development of the United States of America.

7:25

Thank you.

7:29

Well, thank you, Mayor.

7:30

I just want to state for the record that when I first spoke at the first No Kings March and protest, four other people after I spoke came up to me and said, Hey, I have an ancestor too.

7:42

So there are people out there.

7:45

So it's not just me.

7:47

So as America commemorates its 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, I will celebrate with immense pride and gratitude, knowing that one of my ancestors helped shape the birth of our nation as a founding father.

8:02

Robert Treat Payne.

8:04

This historic milestone is not only a reflection of our country's remarkable journey, but also a reminder of the courage, conviction, and vision required to declare that all people are created equal and entitled to the promise of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Arts And Culture███████████████████19%
Procedural██████████████████18%
Public Engagement███████7%
Public Library Services██████6%
Human Services██████6%
Community Engagement█████5%
Engineering And Infrastructure█████5%
Land Use Regulations█████5%
Public Safety█████5%
Summary of Proceedings

Edmonds City Council Regular Meeting - June 23, 2026

The Edmonds City Council met on June 23, 2026, to discuss a proclamation for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, presentations from the Edmonds Arts Commission and Sno-Isle Libraries, public hearings on park impact fees and family burial grounds, and several business items including a sewer comprehensive plan update, public defender contract renewal, and code amendments. Audience comments addressed the library levy and a transitional housing project.

Presentations

  • Proclamation for 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence: Mayor Mike Rosen and Councilmember Susan Payne (a direct descendant of signer Robert Treat Paine) presented a proclamation declaring July 4, 2026, the 250th anniversary. Councilmember Payne shared family history and called for upholding the ideals of liberty and equality.
  • Edmonds Arts Commission Update: Chair Richard Chung and other commissioners presented the history and current work of the commission, including its role in public art, community events, and economic development (noting 12% of Edmonds' GDP is tied to arts-related businesses). They highlighted challenges due to the unfilled Cultural Arts Manager position and reduced staff support, and requested council support to restore capacity. Councilmembers expressed strong support and discussed staffing needs.
  • Sno-Isle Libraries Update: Executive Director Eric Howard and South County Assistant Director Phil Spirido presented on library services, summer reading, and the upcoming August 4 levy (Proposition 1) to restore the levy rate. They reported that library card creation reached an all-time high in 2025, with 10.8 million items checked out. The Edmonds library has circulated 550,000 items since its January 2024 reopening. Councilmembers expressed support and discussed trends, partnerships, and facilities.
  • Mayor's Finance Update: Mayor Rosen referenced the April 2026 Financial Report and reminded council of the upcoming budget workshop.

Audience Comments

  • Jeannie Thorson (Edmonds, volunteer chair of Yes for Libraries) spoke in favor of the library levy (Proposition 1), emphasizing free access to resources and community benefit.
  • Carol Simpson (Mukilteo) invited council to the June 29 opening of the New Start Center (48-unit transitional housing by YWCA), urging attendance to show support for addressing homelessness.
  • Nora Carlson (Edmonds) thanked council for reinstating the Pride flag at City Hall following a recent council motion, and quoted actor Wilson Cruz on the importance of the rainbow flag as a symbol of inclusion.

Public Hearings

  • Park Impact Fee Interim Ordinance Extension: Parks Director Angie Fasser requested a six-month extension (to end of 2026) to complete a revised park impact fee study, as required by updated state law. No public testimony was offered. Council will consider approval on July 7.
  • Interim Regulations on Family Burial Grounds: Planning Director Michael Clugston presented the required public hearing for the interim ordinance adopted on June 2, 2026, which prohibits family burial grounds while permanent regulations are developed. No public testimony was offered.

Council Business

  • Access Agreement for Edmonds Marsh Restoration (Item 10.1, postponed from consent): Council President Dodge moved to postpone approval of the access agreement for stream restoration work by Edmonds Marsh Estuary Advocates and Adopt a Stream Foundation until local permits (including a critical areas ordinance permit) are obtained. City staff noted a proposed dam feature requires further review. The motion passed unanimously.
  • Sewer Comprehensive Plan Update PSA (Item 10.2, moved from consent): City Engineer Mike Delilah and Public Works Director Rahim explained the need for a 30-month, $440,080 professional services agreement with BHC Consultants to update the 13-year-old wastewater comprehensive plan. The plan will guide capital investments and rate decisions. Councilmember Barnett requested discussion. A motion to approve the agreement passed 6-1.
  • Public Defender Contract Renewal (Item 10.3): HR Director Lisa Takich presented the renewal of the contract with Snohomish County Public Defender Association (SCPDA) from July 1, 2026, through December 31, 2028. The contract includes a $61,068 increase for the second half of 2026, with further escalations due to state-mandated caseload reductions. Executive Director Kathleen Kyle answered questions. The motion passed unanimously.
  • Code Amendments for HB 1757 (Energy Code) (Item 10.4): Building Official Ted Corey presented amendments exempting energy code requirements for converting existing buildings (with a certificate of occupancy for three or more years) to dwelling units, as mandated by the state. The motion passed unanimously.
  • Minor Code Updates for Middle Housing (Item 10.5): Planning Manager Brad Shipley presented minor code amendments to correct outdated references and terminology from the low-density residential (LDR) code adopted previously. Council adopted option 1 (approve amendments). The motion passed unanimously.
  • Resolution Adopting Budget Calendar (Item 10.6): Council approved the planning calendar for the 2027-2028 biennial budget. The motion passed unanimously.

Key Outcomes

  • Unanimous approval of the consent agenda (items not pulled).
  • Unanimous postponement of the Edmonds Marsh restoration access agreement pending permit completion.
  • Approval of the sewer comprehensive plan PSA ($440,080) with a 6-1 vote.
  • Unanimous renewal of the public defender contract through December 2028.
  • Unanimous adoption of energy code amendments for HB 1757.
  • Unanimous adoption of minor middle housing code updates.
  • Unanimous adoption of the 2027-2028 budget calendar.
  • Public hearings held on park impact fees and family burial grounds with no public testimony.
  • Council comments included announcements about the upcoming Pride Festival (June 27), Fourth of July parade (July 4), Juneteenth celebration, and the Edmonds Arts Festival. Student Representative Leo highlighted the Lambert House LGBTQ+ youth programs.

Meeting Transcript

I got me a hammer. Good evening. It is June twenty-third. This is the Edmund City Council, and I'm going to call this meeting to order. We're going to do a little bit of a different thing tonight. We're having a birthday in this country, you might have heard. So if you'll all join me in the flag salute, and then stay standing, because Lily Olson is over here from Edmonds Woodway High School, and she will play the national anthem for us. So please join me in the pledge. Thank you. Thank you. Mr. Luke, may we have a roll call, please? Councilmember Eck. Councilmember Chen. Councilmember Barnett. Council President Dodge. Councilmember Olson. Here. Councilmember Payne. Councilmember Nand. Mayor Rosen. All elected officials are present. Thank you. Our next item of business is approval of the agenda. Motion to approve the agenda. It's been moved and seconded to approve the agenda, Council President. I'd like to pull item eight point six and place it as ten point one on or sorry, excuse me. Thank you. Sorry. Councilmember Barnett. Yes. I moved to amend the agenda by uh moving uh council um eight point six approval of the PSA uh sewer comprehensive plan update to council business uh eight point two. 10.2. 10.2. My apologies. Understood. Thank you. With those changes. Let's vote on the agenda. All in favor of approving the agenda, please raise your hands and say aye. Aye. Anybody opposed, please raise your hand to say nay. Motion is approved unanimously. Thank you. Thank you, Lily. Our next item of business is presentations, the first being a proclamation on the 250th anniversary of the Declaration. And joining me at the podium will be my colleague to my left, Susan Payne, because she is a direct descendant of Robert Treat Payne, whose name you might recognize on the bottom of the Declaration. Whereas on July 4th, 1776, the second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence declaring, we hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. And whereas July 4th, 2026 will mark the 250th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, the founding of the United States of America, and provides a meaningful time to reflect about how we think about our rights, governance, and the role of government. And whereas preserving, studying, celebrating, and appreciating our shared history helps strengthen our community as we work together toward the ideals of liberty and equality expressed in the Declaration of Independence.

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TRANSCRIPT VIA PUBLIC VIDEO
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