OpenPublica

Accountability starts with access.

© 2026 · Filed for the public record

Use casesAboutAPIPrivacyTermsLinkedIn
Home/Everett, Washington/City Council & Committees
OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Everett City Council Meeting – March 26, 2025: Budget Amendments, Comprehensive Plan, and Stadium Update

City Council & Committees — Wednesday, March 26, 2025
BodyEverett, Washington
SessionCity Council & Committees
DateWednesday, March 26, 2025
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 2:11:53

Original source
Transcript — VerbatimClick a timed line to jump · ⧉ to share it
0:02

Good evening, residents of Everett, Washington.

0:05

I'd like to call the order, Everett City Council meeting of March 26th, 2025.

0:10

For information on council meetings and how to participate, please visit Everett Wad.gov forward slash city council.

0:19

Clerk, will you please take the role?

0:21

Mayor Franklin here.

0:22

Vice President Zarlingo?

0:23

Here.

0:24

Councilmember Fossey.

0:26

Excuse.

0:27

Councilmember Bader.

0:28

Here.

0:28

Councilmember Ryan.

0:29

Here.

0:29

Councilmember Tui.

0:30

Here.

0:31

Councilmember Vogley.

0:32

Excuse.

0:33

President Schwab.

0:34

And here.

0:35

At this time, I'd like to ask Councilmember Bader to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

0:42

I pledge allegiance to the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands.

0:50

One nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

0:57

And at this time, I'd like to ask Councilmember Tui to read the land acknowledgement.

1:02

Gladly.

1:03

The City Council wishes to acknowledge the original inhabitants of this place, the Stahooshi people and their successors, the Talelep tribe.

1:11

Since time immemorial, they've hunted, fished, gathered on, and taken care of these lands and waters.

1:17

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

1:24

We will strive to be honest about our past mistakes and bring about a future that includes their people, stories, and voices to form a more just and equitable society.

1:35

Thank you.

1:36

On to old business.

1:37

Do I hear a motion to approve the minutes for March 19th, 2025?

1:41

Councilmember Ryan, so moves.

1:43

Seconded.

1:44

Motion and seconds made.

1:45

Clerk, please take the roll.

1:47

Vice President Sarlingo?

1:48

Yes.

1:49

Councilmember Bader.

1:50

Uh abstainment.

1:51

Councilmember Ryan.

1:52

Yes.

1:52

Councilmember Tui.

1:53

Yes.

1:54

President Schwab.

1:55

Yes.

1:55

Good afternoon, Mayor.

1:57

Good afternoon, President Schwab and Council and Community.

2:00

First, uh we'll be swearing in a new officer this afternoon.

2:04

So I'd like to invite Chief DeRoos forward to introduce our newest officer.

2:10

Hello, Mayor and Council.

2:12

I'm proud to have the opportunity to introduce our newest officer to you today, uh, Dan Chabon.

2:20

Dan was born in Kishinao, Moldova.

2:23

His family immigrated to America in 1998 when Dan was four years old.

2:28

They lived in Brooklyn, New York for several years until his father enlisted in the United States Army.

2:33

The family eventually moved to Washington, where Dan attended high school and graduated from the University University of Washington in 2017 with a bachelor's bachelor's degree in applied physics.

2:44

Dan began his law enforcement career with the Edmonds Police Department, where he has served as an officer for the last six and a half years.

2:51

He enjoys police work for the variety every day.

2:55

And each workday can bring opportunities to interact with people in ways that are truly unique to the profession.

3:03

Dan is excited to continue his law enforcement work here in Everett for the Everett Police Department and is optimistic about the long-term career growth opportunities as well as working closer to home.

3:15

Dan brings experience as a patrol corporal, a defense tactics instructor, a patrol tactics instructor, and a firearms instructor.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Budget Equity Analysis███████████████████19%
Public Transportation██████████████████18%
Land Use Planning████████████████16%
Land Use and Zoning███████████████15%
Procedural████████████12%
Public Engagement█████████9%
Public Safety█████5%
Transportation Safety███3%
Public Health█1%
Summary of Proceedings

Everett City Council Meeting – March 26, 2025

The Everett City Council met on March 26, 2025, at 12:30 PM (note: the meeting was called to order in the evening, but the agenda listed a 12:30 PM start time; the transcript also includes references to both "good evening" and "good afternoon"). The meeting included the swearing-in of a new police officer, a proclamation for Black Wellness Week, public comments, a briefing on the 2025 budget amendment, a detailed discussion on the Everett 2044 comprehensive plan, and an executive session that led to three settlement approvals.

Consent Calendar

  • Council unanimously adopted Resolution authorizing claims against the City of Everett in the amount of $2,454,215.47 for the period ending March 14, 2025.
  • Adopted Resolution authorizing payroll claims of $5,499,597.54 for the period ending March 14, 2025.
  • Authorized the call for bids for construction of Water Main Replacement "Y", Phase 1 project.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Jimmy Castro (Everett resident, age 76) expressed support for building a stadium at Funko Field for the Everett AquaSox, citing the Mariners' and Major League Baseball's proven formula for stadium construction. He noted a two-year delay and urged the council to move forward quickly. He also mentioned that Keith Lawler from the Mariners was unable to attend due to opening day.
  • Stephen Ray Short (Senior Vice President of Expansion for the United Soccer League, from Tampa, FL) spoke in favor of bringing a professional soccer team to Everett. He highlighted USL's growth, its new Division One men's league, and the upcoming World Cup. He thanked the council and expressed eagerness to continue working with stakeholders on a multi-use venue.

Proclamation and Swearing-In

  • Swearing-In of Police Officer Dan Ceban: Officer Ceban was sworn in by Mayor Franklin. Chief DeRoos introduced him, noting his background (born in Moldova, raised in Washington, degree in applied physics, six and a half years with Edmonds Police Department, and various instructor roles). The council approved his appointment unanimously (5-0).
  • Black Wellness Week Proclamation: Mayor Franklin proclaimed April 14–18, 2025, as Black Wellness Week. The proclamation was accepted by Mrs. Blocker (former Tacoma council member) and her family, who emphasized the importance of targeted universalism and inclusive health initiatives.

Discussion Items

1. 2025 Budget Amendment (CB 2503-22 – First Reading) Finance Director Heidi Berlantes and Assistant Director Jamie Lee Graves presented the first budget amendment for 2025, totaling $39,121,068. Key components:

  • Reappropriations: $1,457,571 for general government (including police ammunition, legal report writing, municipal arts, library, street improvements, human needs grants, and fueling site upgrades) and $7,663,497 for non-general government funds (including capital projects like parks improvements, fire truck purchases, IT upgrades, and COVID relief grants).
  • Workforce adjustments: Added one court commissioner (for photo enforcement cameras), one building inspector, interim support in clerk and legal, and reinstated two parking enforcement officers (offset by reductions in fire department M&O and a vacant public works position).
  • New grant funding: Police grants for boating safety and violence against women, salmon recovery planning grant, emergency management grant, and low-income housing planning grant.
  • Traffic Management Center relocation and upgrade costs.
  • Non-general government amendments: Additional positions in utilities (water quality analyst, industrial waste inspector), library donation spending, vehicle/equipment replacements, and police recruitment grant.
  • Stadium update (outdoor multi-purpose venue): Executive Administrator Scott Pattison and Ben Franz (SOJ) provided a timeline. Two previously approved professional services agreements (with SOJ and Bailey Construction) are included, plus a new request for $600,000 for outside legal counsel (property acquisition, lease negotiations, MOU support). Councilmember Tui expressed concern about the $600,000 not having been previously discussed and preferred it be separated. Mayor Franklin suggested a separate briefing at second reading. Council President Schwab noted that this is part of a progressive process with future “go/no-go” decision points later in 2025 (design-build contract in May/June, property acquisition authorization, final lease and construction contract by year-end). The budget amendment was briefed and will have second reading on April 2, 2025.

2. Everett 2044 Comprehensive Plan Briefing Planning Director York Stevens and Long Range Planning Manager Alison Wetzel presented updates to the comprehensive plan (first reading and council direction). Key items:

  • Wiggams Hollow correction: A zoning map error for parcels owned by Everett Housing Authority – staff proposed reverting to UR4 (current zoning) to align with park district boundaries. Council deferred final decision pending input from Councilmember Fossey (absent).
  • Wetmore Avenue parcels (2506-2606): Request to change from UR7 to MU15. After discussion, council voted 3-2 to include this change in the draft plan (Vice President Zarlingo, Councilmember Tui, President Schwab in favor; Councilmembers Bader and Ryan opposed).
  • 19th Avenue SE / SR527 corridor: Councilmember Zarlingo raised concerns about traffic congestion and safety. Staff highlighted planned transportation improvements (BRT, new east-west arterial, intersection projects). The council voted 5-0 to include the proposed changes (higher heights on selected parcels, Bethany Northwest property upzone from UR4 to UR7, and corresponding downzones on other parcels) in the draft plan for public review.
  • Neighborhood Commercial: Discussion on limiting corner parcels to arterials. Councilmember Bader requested further technical review before moving forward. Staff will continue refining the proposal.
  • Transition zones: Some council members wanted to address abrupt height changes; Councilmember Bader will work with staff on specific areas before the next briefing.

Key Outcomes

  • Consent Calendar: Approved unanimously.
  • Action Items:
    • CB 2502-19 (Thornton A. Sullivan Park floating dock repairs): Ordinance adopted on third reading (5-0).
    • Reject all bids for Parks LED Lighting Retrofit Project and authorize new call for bids: Approved (5-0).
  • Executive Session Actions (all approved unanimously):
    • Workers' comp settlement for retired fire captain Barry Pomeroy: $83,000.
    • Workers' comp settlement for retired police officer Susanna Evason: $475,000.
    • Settlement of a civil suit regarding the pallet shelter program at 200 Sievers Duecy Road: Allows city to operate the temporary shelter for up to two years.
  • Budget Amendment (CB 2503-22): First reading held; second reading scheduled for April 2, 2025, with third reading on April 9, 2025. Council requested an itemized list of stadium-related legal costs and a separate briefing.
  • Comprehensive Plan: Council provided direction to staff to incorporate approved zoning changes (Wetmore MU15, 19th Ave corridor) into the draft plan for public comment and state review. Remaining items (Wiggams Hollow, neighborhood commercial details, transition zones) will be addressed in subsequent briefings in April.

Meeting Transcript

Good evening, residents of Everett, Washington. I'd like to call the order, Everett City Council meeting of March 26th, 2025. For information on council meetings and how to participate, please visit Everett Wad.gov forward slash city council. Clerk, will you please take the role? Mayor Franklin here. Vice President Zarlingo? Here. Councilmember Fossey. Excuse. Councilmember Bader. Here. Councilmember Ryan. Here. Councilmember Tui. Here. Councilmember Vogley. Excuse. President Schwab. And here. At this time, I'd like to ask Councilmember Bader to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. And at this time, I'd like to ask Councilmember Tui to read the land acknowledgement. Gladly. The City Council wishes to acknowledge the original inhabitants of this place, the Stahooshi people and their successors, the Talelep tribe. Since time immemorial, they've hunted, fished, gathered on, and taken care of these lands and waters. We respect their sovereignty, their right to self-determination, and honor their sacred spiritual connection with the land and water. We will strive to be honest about our past mistakes and bring about a future that includes their people, stories, and voices to form a more just and equitable society. Thank you. On to old business. Do I hear a motion to approve the minutes for March 19th, 2025? Councilmember Ryan, so moves. Seconded. Motion and seconds made. Clerk, please take the roll. Vice President Sarlingo? Yes. Councilmember Bader. Uh abstainment. Councilmember Ryan. Yes. Councilmember Tui. Yes. President Schwab. Yes. Good afternoon, Mayor. Good afternoon, President Schwab and Council and Community. First, uh we'll be swearing in a new officer this afternoon. So I'd like to invite Chief DeRoos forward to introduce our newest officer. Hello, Mayor and Council.

SUMMARIZED BY OPENPUBLICA AI
TRANSCRIPT VIA PUBLIC VIDEO
openpublica.com