Everett City Council Meeting – July 2, 2025

The Everett City Council met on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at 6:30 PM in City Council Chambers. The meeting included the approval of minutes, mayor's comments, public comments, council comments, an administrative update, consent items, and two proposed action items. An executive session was held for 20 minutes with no action taken.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes from June 25, 2025 (Councilmember Tui abstained).
• Adopted resolutions authorizing claims payments: $3,932,531.63 for the period ending June 20, 2025, and $5,675,624.35 for payroll period ending June 14, 2025.
• Awarded an increase to the HVAC services contract (IFB #2022-047) to an estimated $550,000 annually.
• Authorized the release of RFP #2025-033 for a Drainage and Sewerline Camera Truck.
• Declared a 2003 American LaFrance Eagle Fire Engine surplus and authorized sale at public auction.
• Accepted the Everett Transit Inductive Charging Infrastructure Field Installation project as complete.
• Authorized the Mayor to sign a Temporary Disposal Easement Deed to the Port of Everett.

Public Comments & Testimony

• John Van Dalen (Everett resident) thanked the Mayor and council for a proclamation supporting Amateur Radio Field Day, emphasizing the importance of ham radio as an emergency communications backup. He noted it has been a hobby for nearly 50 years.
• Carol Morgan (Everett resident) expressed concern about a poster displayed at the Republican office on Hewitt Avenue, which listed Democratic representatives and criticized tax increases. She noted the timing shortly after a tragedy in Minnesota and asked the council to be aware of the display. She also mentioned a nearby business posting scornful comments on a whiteboard.
• Daniel Dodson (Everett resident) raised traffic safety concerns on Dakota Street, citing 16 accidents in 2024 (6 at 10th, 10 at Holly), reckless driving, excessive speed, and a school bus hit by a car. He requested speed bumps, marked crosswalks, and better signage. He noted traffic engineers considered $15,000–$20,000 too much to spend on the issue. He asked the council to consider a resolution to address the problems.

Discussion Items

• Mayor's Comment: Mayor Franklin reported a partnership with the Latino Civic Alliance's IM Jaguar program (started mid-February 2025) to combat youth violence. Since then, Everett Police made 12 referrals; 4 youth are graduating, 2 of whom have jobs and 2 made positive life changes. He also requested three appointments to the Animal Shelter Advisory Board: Skylar Haynes (term expiring 12/31/2028), Shell Graves (term expiring 12/31/2027), and Megan Ward (term expiring 12/31/2030). The council unanimously approved the appointments.
• Mayor's Additional Announcement: Announced a draft ordinance to hold individuals accountable for graffiti cleanup costs, aiming to reduce city resources and deter gang-related graffiti. The ordinance will be brought to the council in the coming weeks.
• Council Comments: Councilmember Zarlingo thanked the new appointees and highlighted the importance of ham radio as an independent disaster communication system. Councilmember Fosse noted the groundbreaking of the Little Wings Early Learning Academy, reminded residents of Everett Transit's long-range plan public comment period (July 1–31), and thanked the public commenters. Councilmember Bader shared that Everett was one of only four MSAs in Washington to see job growth in the first five months of 2025. Councilmember Ryan announced the Port Gardner Neighborhood Association's community garage sale (July 12). Councilmember Tui reported on the Community Health and Safety Committee meeting, which included updates on youth violence prevention and criminal justice impacts of 2025 state legislation.
• Administrative Update: Jennifer (staff) alerted residents to a major I-5 repair project on the Ship Canal Bridge starting July 18–21 (full northbound closure from I-90 to 45th Street), then reduced to two lanes for about a month, with another full closure weekend ending August 21. She promoted transit alternatives and Everett Transit's long-range plan outreach (online open house, booths at farmers market on July 13 and Nubian Jam on July 26, and open houses on July 17 and 24).
• Proposed Action Items:
  • CB 2506-38 (2nd reading): Ordinance relating to ambulance and emergency first aid services, adding a section to EMC Chapter 3.82. Final reading set for July 9, 2025. No questions.
  • CB 2506-39 (1st reading): Amendment to Ordinance 3196-10 (International Property Maintenance Code) to adopt changes from the state Building Code Council. Councilmember Fosse asked for an explanation; staff described it as a routine update. Final reading set for July 16, 2025.

Key Outcomes

• Unanimous approval of consent items (7 items) and the Mayoral appointments to the Animal Shelter Advisory Board.
• No action taken on public comments, but staff will follow up with Daniel Dodson regarding traffic concerns on Dakota Street.
• Executive Session: Held for 20 minutes under RCW 42.30.110(1)(i) to discuss four legal matters, with no action taken.
• Meeting adjourned after executive session.