Everett City Council Meeting - October 1, 2025

The Everett City Council met on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at 6:30 PM in the City Council Chambers. The meeting included approval of consent items, first and second readings of ordinances, action items, and a public hearing on the 2026 budget revenue forecast. Councilmembers Franklin, Bader, and Vogeling were excused. The meeting lasted approximately two hours.

Consent Calendar

• Resolution authorizing claims in the amount of $2,898,770.50 for the period ending September 19, 2025.
• Call for Bids for Edgewater Park Renovation Project.
• Professional Services Agreement with Great Lakes Environmental Center, Inc. for nutrient and chlorophyll testing services (2025).
• Settlement Agreement and Site Release with Century Indemnity Company.
• Amendment No. 3 with Jacobs Engineering Group, Inc. in the amount of $1,311,609 for CSO Storage at 36th St.
• 2024 Comprehensive Plan PSA Amendment No. 2 with Consor, Inc. in the amount of $38,339.

All consent items were approved unanimously (5-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• No oral or written public comments were received during the public comment period.

Discussion Items

• Council Comments: Councilmember Ryan highlighted "Week Without Driving" and walkability. Councilmember Fossey mentioned the groundbreaking for Scribner's Place in Lynnwood. Councilmember Tuey reported on the Community Alternative Response Everett (CARE) team and police UAV program. Councilmember Zarlingo discussed the budget open house, Snohomish County Tomorrow, Puget Sound Regional Council, and manufactured housing zoning. Council President Schwab thanked staff and noted the city's strong financial management.
• Proposed Action Items (First and Second Readings):
  • CB 2508-49 (Second Reading): Ordinance relating to Indigent Defense Standards; final reading set for October 8, 2025.
  • CB 2509-50 (First Reading): Creating a Special Improvement Project for Lift Station #24 Conveyance Improvements; final reading set for October 15, 2025.
  • CB 2509-51 (First Reading): Amending Ordinance No. 4010-24 for Walter E. Hall Park Community Connections Path; final reading set for October 15, 2025.
  • CB 2509-52 (First Reading): Creating a Special Improvement Project for RRFB (Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons) Pedestrian Safety; final reading set for October 15, 2025.
• Action Items:
  • Authorized Amendment No. 3 to PSA with Otak for Water Main Replacement Y, Phase 2 ($51,958). Approved 5-0.
  • Authorized PSA for Engineering Services for Everett Station Cabinet Charger Installation ($131,766). Approved 5-0.
• Public Hearing on 2026 Budget Revenue: Finance Director Heidi Bruantis and Assistant Director Jamie Lee presented the revenue forecast. Citywide revenue is projected at $576.5 million, with $176.7 million from general government sources. Key revenues: property tax ($42.5 million, 24% of general government), sales tax ($40.5 million, 23%), B&O tax ($22.3 million, 13%), and utility taxes ($15 million, 8%). Sales tax growth is projected at 1.7% over 2025, with conservative outlook due to market uncertainties. Property tax includes 1% allowable growth ($418,453) and $263,763 from new construction. Miscellaneous revenues include $4.85 million in COVID relief funds. Councilmembers asked about consumer spending, new state sales tax base changes, and property tax levy rate (estimated at $1.46-$1.47 per $1,000 assessed value, excluding EMS).

Key Outcomes

• Consent items approved (Items 1-6) unanimously (5-0).
• First readings of CB 2509-50, 51, 52 were introduced; final readings scheduled for October 15, 2025.
• Second reading of CB 2508-49 was held; final reading scheduled for October 8, 2025.
• Action Items 11 and 12 approved unanimously (5-0).
• Public hearing on 2026 Budget Revenue was opened, received the presentation, and closed unanimously (5-0). No further action was taken on the budget that evening; preliminary budget hearings begin November 5, 2025.
• Council comments noted ongoing community engagement on the budget, growth management, and housing issues.