Everett City Council Meeting: June 11, 2025 – Outdoor Event Center Approval and Comprehensive Plan Hearing

The Everett City Council met on June 11, 2025, at 6:30 PM in the City Council Chambers. The meeting featured the approval of key action items for the proposed Everett Outdoor Event Center (OEC), a public hearing on the Everett 2044 Comprehensive Plan update, and recognition of new firefighters. The meeting lasted approximately 4.5 hours.

Consent Calendar

• Items 1-6: Approved unanimously via roll call. Included adoption of a resolution authorizing claims of $3,721,785.98 (May 17-30, 2025), authorization of a sodium hypochlorite RFP, award of the 2025 Federal Overlay - W. Mukilteo Boulevard construction contract to Granite Construction Company for $1,211,580, and three property-related authorizations (lease amendment with Citrine Health at Everett Station, two distribution easements to Snohomish County PUD).

Public Comments & Testimony

• General Public Comment (before OEC):
  • Alvaro Guillén, Melinda Cervantes, and Esmeralda Rivas (all Everett residents) urged the council to retain inclusionary zoning in the Comprehensive Plan, emphasizing the risk of displacement for low-income families, especially in the Casino Road neighborhood. They cited 14 jurisdictions in Puget Sound with similar policies.
  • Nick Eckert (Everett) raised concerns about a building permit (B2412-031) for an ADU in the Riverside Historic District, alleging incorrect survey and lack of opportunity for public comment before the Historic Commission.
  • Rich Rye (Everett, 13-year resident) criticized the council for not acting to preserve the Everett Community College Early Learning Center and Full Life Care, stating that prioritizing a $140 million stadium while childcare and senior services close is a failure of leadership.
  • Demi Chatters (Planning Commission Chair) provided data: Everett needs 38,000 additional housing units by 2044 (an 80% increase from current 49,000 units). She noted that 50% of renters are cost-burdened and urged inclusionary zoning.
  • Dr. Jonathan Shapiro (Everett) raised a point of order, arguing that the public disclosure criteria for the OEC budget were not satisfied, and asked that items be removed from the agenda.
  • Jillian Walker (Everett) spoke on behalf of Bayside Cafe, asking for clear communication and support for small businesses affected by the OEC project.
• Public Comment on Outdoor Event Center (after presentation):
  • Dan Wickersham (Arlington) expressed strong support as president of Everett Jets FC, citing the need for a dedicated soccer field and the economic potential of hosting USL and UPSL events.
  • Grant Harrington (Everett) opposed the project, arguing it lacks transparency, will divert funds from parks (e.g., Forest Park Pool, Snohomish River Trail), and that the financial projections are insufficient.
  • Jeremy Reed (Stanwood, business in Everett) criticized the process, comparing Knoxville's population (198,000) to Everett's (~111,000), claimed 13 USL teams have failed, and said the project will not benefit the wider community.
  • Jasper Mossbacker (Everett, Bayside Cafe owner) requested transparency and clear communication for affected businesses, noting that employees and customers are anxious.
  • Reese Stenhouse (Everett, 13-year-old AquaSox fan) spoke in favor, stating the stadium will revitalize downtown and that funding from bonds and capital improvement funds does not affect other services.
  • Kieran (Arlington, Everett CC men's soccer coach) supported USL expansion, citing local talent and the unifying power of soccer.
• Public Comment on Comprehensive Plan (items 18-19):
  • Mary (online) and Sabrina Lehman (Boulevard Bluffs) requested limitations on neighborhood commercial hours (7 AM-10 PM) and preservation of alley access and parking.
  • David Koenig (Everett, online) emphasized design standards, floor area ratios, and vehicle access regulations to maintain neighborhood character.
  • Joe Newland (Everett) asked that Legion Park and Mount Baker Addition be removed from the neighborhood commercial eligibility map due to physical isolation and lack of customer base.
  • Tina Velocity (LISC, Seattle) urged maintaining inclusionary zoning in the Comprehensive Plan, noting the partnership with the city and community input.
  • Brian Partington (Everett) opposed reducing zoning heights near the Norton Grand Historic Overlay, arguing that density near amenities benefits the city.
  • Lily Thompson (Housing Consortium) supported inclusionary zoning, citing 14 jurisdictions already using it.
  • Brock Howell (Snohomish County Transportation Coalition) asked for inclusionary zoning, transportation demand management requirements, and updated level-of-service standards.
  • Daniel Dodson (Everett) raised concerns about traffic data from 2009, lack of ownership opportunities, and impacts of four-story buildings on single-family homes.
  • James Michael Jackson (Everett, Fairway Estates) pleaded for protections for the 55+ mobile home park, noting 26 veterans live there.
  • John Simon (Everett) raised life safety concerns about high-density development blocking alleyways for fire trucks.
  • Russell (Master Builders) supported the Planning Commission's unanimous recommendation for alternative three (middle housing) and thanked staff for ADU adjustments.
  • Jean Seti Hewitt (Norton Grand Historic Overlay) presented a petition of 100 residents opposing height increases along Rucker Avenue, asking for a reduction to UR7.
  • Madeline Shepard (Everett) requested that UR4 zoning along 19th end at Colby and leave Hoyt Avenue parcels as neighborhood residential to protect historic structures.

Discussion Items

• Outdoor Event Center (OEC) – Items 10-17:
  • Staff (Scott Paterson, Ben Franz, Chad Volpe, AquaSox owner) presented a briefing. Key updates: total project cost estimated at $82 million ($42M hard cost, $20M soft costs, $20M property acquisition). Design-build team (Bayley Construction) selected. A 63-20 nonprofit facilitator (Public Facilities Group) recommended to explore a public-private partnership. The city will commit $4.8 million for design, property acquisition, and consulting. Revenue projections based on 106-200 events annually, with USL and AquaSox as anchor tenants. Two teams will assume majority of operations and maintenance.
  • Council questions and debate:
    • Councilmember Zarlingo asked about MLB fine costs and long-term commitments; Chad Volpe confirmed fines have been incurred but are viewed as an investment.
    • Councilmember Bader questioned the use of park impact fees ($1.3M) and the 20% contingency; staff confirmed 10% total project contingency and that park impact fees are restricted to recreational facilities.
    • Councilmember Ryan asked about relocation of businesses; staff committed to a transparent process with Kimley Horn and noted construction start not expected before Q1 2026.
    • Councilmember Vogley emphasized the need for a comparable stadium to the $42M cost estimate.
    • Councilmember Twee expressed frustration over lack of financial pro forma and revenue sharing details, and voted against several OEC items.
    • Councilmember Schwab supported the project as a long-term investment to grow the city's economy.
  • Votes: Items 10 (4.8M fund) passed 6-1 (Twee no). Items 11, 12 passed 6-1 (Twee no). Items 13, 15, 17 passed 7-0. Items 14, 16 passed 6-1 (Twee no).
• Comprehensive Plan 2044 – Items 18-19 (Public Hearing only, no final vote):
  • Staff (Yorick) presented updates: changes to neighborhood commercial framework (corner lots only, no drive-throughs, limited hotel/motel rooms, daycare centers capped at 20 children, 60% ground-floor transparency for new buildings, reduced porch dimensions to 6 ft deep x 8 ft wide). Industrial waterfront height reduced to 55 ft flat. ADU impact fees reduced 50%. Madrona Avenue parcels rezoned to neighborhood residential constrained. Semx transfer lots rezoned from industrial to park/open space.
  • Councilmember Ryan proposed amendments: for Donovan district, reduce heights on lots abutting historic zone and neighborhood residential to UR7 (adopted 7-0). For Norton Grand, no motion; she will work with neighbors on a compromise before June 18.
  • Councilmember Vogley urged retention of inclusionary zoning for Casino Road, noting it is a key anti-displacement measure.
  • Councilmember Bader raised questions about operating hours for existing commercial uses in neighborhood commercial areas.
  • Councilmember Zarlingo noted the need for consistency across the city.
  • Councilmember Ryan expressed concern that the map of eligible locations for neighborhood commercial was drawn by individual council members without input from at-large members.

Key Outcomes

• Outdoor Event Center: All 8 action items (10-17) were approved. The city will allocate $4.8 million for planning, design, and property acquisition, including $1.3 million from park impact fees. The council authorized the mayor to execute professional services agreements with Intelligent Partnership ($50,000), Kimley Horn ($200,000), and an amendment with Shiels Obletz Johnsen ($300,000). Bayley Construction was selected as design-builder ($2,901,602 plus sales tax). Public Facilities Group was selected as the 63-20 facilitator/issuer. The project will proceed with a progressive design-build approach, aiming for a groundbreaking in Q1 2026 if design and financing are secured.
• Comprehensive Plan: The public hearing was closed. The council will vote on final adoption of the Everett 2044 Comprehensive Plan and development regulations at the June 18, 2025 meeting. One amendment (Donovan district height reduction) was adopted. Other potential amendments (Norton Grand heights, neighborhood commercial framework) may be introduced at the next meeting. Councilmembers expressed support for retaining inclusionary zoning and addressing traffic and parking concerns raised in public testimony.