Everett City Council Meeting Summary: May 28, 2025

The Everett City Council met on May 28, 2025, at 12:30 PM in the City Council Chambers. The agenda included public comments on the Fulton Street project and comprehensive plan zoning, a detailed briefing on the proposed Everett Outdoor Event Center project, introduction of multiple ordinances, approval of consent items, and a briefing on minimum wage rules. The meeting featured extensive discussion on the Outdoor Event Center, including its funding, site orientation, and a potential public-private partnership model. Council also received updates on administrative matters and recognized outgoing employee Deb Williams for 42 years of service.

Consent Calendar

• Resolution authorizing claims in the amount of $8,016,293.29 for the period ending May 10–16, 2025. Approved.
• Approval of the 2025-2029 Commute Trip Reduction (CTR) Plan. Approved.
• Authorization for the Mayor to sign Amendment No. 1 of the System Access Fund Project Agreement with Sound Transit for the Wall Street Connector Project. Approved.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Evan Binghaman (Fulton Street resident) opposed the planned Fulton Street project, stating it would endanger bicyclists due to frequent truck traffic and poor intersection safety. He advocated for rerouting the project to Pine Street, which he said already has sidewalk infrastructure and would be cheaper. Council staff noted extensive outreach had been conducted and that traffic analysis confirmed Fulton as the best alignment.
• Eric Nordine (Terrace Drive resident) opposed the proposed rezoning of Terrace Drive to MU-15 in the comprehensive plan, arguing it would turn the quiet residential street into a commercial corridor. He requested a more modest transitional zoning (UR-7 or UB-7) to preserve the high owner-occupancy character of the neighborhood.
• Madeline Shepherd (Northwest Everett resident) expressed opposition to the rezoning of her block on Hoyt Avenue from R-2 to UR-4, calling it a threat to historic neighborhoods. She advocated for a historic overlay to prevent inappropriate redevelopment and presented a petition she had canvassed. Council staff later noted they would help the neighborhood pursue a historic overlay.
• Written comments were submitted by Joe Newland, Sandra Richards, Eric Norton, Carl and Isadora Spots, Reverend Davey Wesley, Dennis and Hilde Fisher (regarding the comprehensive plan), and Bill Wheeler, Timothy Newman, and John Martin (regarding the multi-use facility). They were entered into the record.

Discussion Items

• Outdoor Event Center Briefing (Items 4-6): Scott Patison (City Administrator) and Ben Franz (SOJ) presented an update on the proposed Everett Outdoor Event Center. Key details:

  • Project background: Originally a preservation effort for the Aquasox, evolved into a $82 million outdoor events center to host professional men’s and women’s soccer (USL) and baseball, concerts, festivals, and markets.
  • Site: Downtown location at Broadway and Pacific, selected after a multi-year analysis of up to eight sites. The school district site was eliminated due to lack of private investment and lower net revenue.
  • Cost breakdown: $82 million total project cost including $42 million hard costs, $20 million soft costs, and a $20 million placeholder for property acquisition.
  • Funding: $5 million from Snohomish County, $20 million from private partners (Aquasox and USL), and the balance from bonds issued by the city or a potential third-party nonprofit facilitator. A new public-private partnership model is being explored to reduce city risk.
  • Design: A progressive design-build team (DLR Group and Bailey) has developed a preliminary orientation minimizing property acquisition and construction costs. Site visits to Knoxville, Tennessee (a comparable venue) informed planning for integrated housing, walking paths, and public park space.
  • Lease negotiations: Significant progress with teams on revenue sharing, capital contributions, and operating responsibilities. Final leases expected in fall 2025 after 60% design completion.
  • The council discussed concerns about property acquisition, relocation of businesses, and transparency. Mayor and staff committed to a transparent process and noted that the current ordinances (CB 2505-30, 2505-31, 2505-32) are first readings and require further council action.

• Minimum Wage Rules Briefing (Item 12): Dan Eernissee (Economic Development Director) briefed on a proposed resolution (action item on June 4) to adopt procedural rules for implementing the voter-approved Minimum Wage Initiative (24-01), effective July 1, 2025. The rules clarify that “gross revenues” apply to business activities within city limits, require annual rate publication by October 15, and mandate employer certification with business license renewal. Council discussed outreach to businesses and chambers of commerce.

• Administrative Update: Staff reported outreach to Everett Community College regarding the early learning center and noted that the Municipal Building will be closed June 2–15 for electrical work. A reminder was given that all development goes through the city’s permitting process to ensure safety and environmental standards.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar (Items 1-3): Approved unanimously.
• Item 10 (CB 2505-29): Third and final reading – Ordinance creating the Police Firing Range Renovations Project ($127,000). Approved unanimously.
• Item 11: Adopted the 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan, approved the resolution for the 2025 Annual Action Plan, and authorized the Mayor to execute the HUD grant agreement. Approved unanimously.
• Items 4-6 (Outdoor Event Center): First reading only; no vote taken. Third and final reading scheduled for June 11, 2025. Council will receive a project charter and term sheet in coming weeks.
• Items 7-9 (Lexington Drainage, Wall Street Connector closure, Lowell Riverfront Trail): First reading only; no vote.
• Item 12 (Minimum Wage Rules): Briefing only; action will be taken at the June 4, 2025 meeting.