Everett City Council Meeting – October 15, 2025

The Everett City Council met on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at 6:30 PM in the City Council Chambers. The meeting included public comments on the planned closure of the Evergreen Way Fred Meyer store and on Initiative 12403 (Rights of Nature), a second reading of the buffer zone ordinance extension, and unanimous approval of several consent and action items.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes of the October 8, 2025 meeting.
• Adopted Resolution authorizing claims against the City in the amount of $1,585,315.24 for the period ending September 27 through October 3, 2025.
• Adopted a Resolution declaring a 2009 Toyota Prius (A0060) surplus and authorizing sale at public auction.
• Authorized the Mayor to sign the 2025-2029 Washington State Department of Transportation Green Transportation Grant Agreement (WSDOT Maintenance Facility Engineering and Design).
• Consent item #3 (Grand Avenue Partial Settlement) was removed at staff request and will be placed on a future agenda.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Karen Nelson (Everett resident, 58 years) urged the Council to file an emergency injunction to stop the closure of the Evergreen Way Fred Meyer, citing disproportionate impacts on elderly and low-income residents. She provided a sample legal complaint and argued that Kroger had neglected the store to justify closure.
• Mary Rollins (on behalf of One Voice Snohomish County) spoke in support of Initiative 12403 (Rights of Nature), which Everett voters passed. She urged the Council to seek independent legal counsel to defend the initiative against a lawsuit, arguing that reliance solely on the city attorney’s opinion undermines public trust and the will of the voters.
• Liz Stenning (Downtown Everett Association) supported extending the buffer zone ordinance (CB 2509-53), noting reduced trash and biohazards downtown, improved safety near the Imagine Children’s Museum, and effective coordination between police and social workers.
• Charles (unidentified city district) supported the buffer zone extension, comparing it to a first responder’s bandage – not a cure but a necessary first step. He urged unanimous passage.
• Scott Sparling (Everett District 1) opposed the buffer zone amendments, calling them a “no sit, no lie” ordinance that criminalizes homeless individuals and could be used for broader sweeps. He argued that insufficient services exist for those displaced.
• Brian Partington (Everett) expressed concerns about the buffer zone’s unclear effectiveness, potential displacement (citing a fatal car incident near Airport Road), and the ease of expanding zones without council consent. He favored a comprehensive, citywide approach.

Discussion Items

• CB 2509-53 – Service Facility Buffer Zone Extension (2nd Reading): Council discussed the ordinance that would extend the buffer zone expiration date from 2023 to December 31, 2027, and add new reporting requirements. Councilmember Ryan requested data on changes in service calls outside the buffer zones to assess displacement. Councilmember Vogley echoed concerns about displacement into Riverside and Forest Park areas. Councilmember Bader argued that buffer zones merely push people to other locations without providing housing, comparing them to historical redlining. Councilmember Zarlingo noted that the ordinance is not a cure for homelessness but helps support businesses that generate tax revenue for city services. Councilmember Ryan clarified that social workers provide services citywide, regardless of buffer zones. The final reading is scheduled for October 22, 2025.
• CB 2510-54 – 41st Street to Rucker Avenue Corridor Phase 2 (1st Reading): No discussion; third reading set for October 29, 2025.
• CB 2510-55 – Closing 41st Street to West Marine View Drive Corridor Improvements (1st Reading): No discussion; third reading set for October 29, 2025.

Key Outcomes

• Minutes approved unanimously (8-0).
• Consent items 1, 2, and 4 approved unanimously.
• CB 2509-53 (Buffer Zone Extension): Second reading held; final reading and vote scheduled for October 22, 2025.
• CB 2510-54 (41st/Rucker Phase 2): First reading held; third reading on October 29, 2025.
• CB 2510-55 (41st/Marine View Drive closure): First reading held; third reading on October 29, 2025.
• CB 2509-50 (Lift Station #24 Conveyance Improvements): Approved unanimously (8-0).
• CB 2509-51 (Walter E. Hall Park Community Connections Path): Approved unanimously (8-0).
• CB 2509-52 (RRFB Pedestrian Safety): Approved unanimously (8-0).
• The meeting adjourned at approximately 7:30 PM.