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Record of Proceedings

Everett City Council Meeting - January 14, 2026: Officer Swearing-In, School Bond Presentation, and Legislative Actions

City Council & Committees — Wednesday, January 14, 2026
BodyEverett, Washington
SessionCity Council & Committees
DateWednesday, January 14, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
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Transcript — Verbatim
0:01

Good evening, residents of Everett Washington.

0:04

I'd like to call the order the Everett City Council meeting for January 14th, 2026.

0:09

For information on council meetings and how to participate, please visit our website at Everettwad.gov forward slash city council.

0:17

We have a great crowd tonight.

0:19

Thank you for being here.

0:20

Thanks for bringing your families too.

0:22

It's music to my ears.

0:23

I appreciate that.

0:24

Clerk, please take the role.

0:26

Mayor Franklin here.

0:27

Councilmember Zarlingo.

0:28

Here.

0:29

Councilmember Burbano.

0:30

Right here.

0:30

Councilmember Tweed?

0:32

Yes, here.

0:32

Councilmember Weir.

0:34

Excuse.

0:34

Councilmember Bader.

0:36

Here.

0:36

Vice President Ryan.

0:37

Here, President Schwab.

0:38

Here.

0:39

At this time, I'd like to ask Councilmember Boubano to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

1:02

Thank you.

1:03

At this time, I'd like to ask our vice president, Paula Ryan, to read the land acknowledgement.

1:10

City Council wishes to acknowledge the original inhabitants of this place, the Stopes people and their successors, the Taleleph tribes.

1:16

Since time immemorial, they have hunted, fished, gathered on, and taken care of these lands and waters.

1:21

We respect their sovereignty and their right to self-determination and honor their sacred spiritual connection with the land and water.

1:27

We will strive to be honest about our past mistakes to bring about a future that includes their voices, their stories, and their people for a more just and equitable society.

1:35

Thank you very much.

1:37

Good evening, Mayor.

1:38

Good evening, President Schwab Council and Community.

1:41

It's my honor to invite Chief Getz forward to swear in a number of officers this evening.

1:51

Thank you, Council Member or President Schwab, Mayor Franklin, and Council members.

1:57

Today is a proud and meaningful day for the Ebert Police Department.

2:01

We are here to officially welcome a new group of officers who have chosen to serve this community with honor, integrity, and professionalism.

2:10

Each of these officers arrive with a unique background, but they all share a common commitment to public service.

2:18

Policing is ultimately about people, the people we serve and the people who serve beside us.

2:26

These officers have earned their place here through hard work, discipline, and a clear desire to make a positive difference.

2:35

We are proud to have them join our ranks, and we are confident they will represent the department and the city with professionalism and heart.

2:45

To the family and loved ones.

2:48

Here today, thank you.

2:50

Your support makes this moment possible, and we are grateful to welcome you into the Everett Police Department family as well.

2:58

And before I uh introduce our new police officers to be sworn in, I just want to give you a quick update.

3:16

And uh, you know, in six months from now, we might have an additional eight as well.

3:20

Um, and then finally, uh, as a from a staffing update, we're down to only 14 vacancies, which is uh we're seeing the highest um uh rate of I should say the lowest vacancy rate that we've had a long, long time.

3:36

So we're really proud of that, really proud of the staff for getting us to where we are.

3:40

But let's talk about our new officers.

3:45

Ashley Blum.

3:49

Ashley was born and raised in Gig Harbor and is an accomplished gymnast.

3:54

She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology from the University of Washington, where she also studied psychology and criminology and competed on the University of Washington women's gymnastics team.

4:06

Ashley chose law enforcement because she values meaningful community engagement and the opportunity to make a positive lasting impact.

4:15

She understands this career.

4:17

We'll continually challenge her to learn, grow under pressure, and serve with integrity.

4:25

Josh Aleckfee.

4:28

Josh was born and raised in Bellevue after his parents emigrated to the United States from Romania in the late 1990s.

4:36

After high school, he began his career at Home Depot, where he valued being part of a strong team.

4:47

Though he knew he wanted to have a professional center, profession centered on service.

4:55

Josh chose law enforcement as a way to give back to and protect the community he grew up in.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Public Engagement███████████████████████23%
Pending Litigation████████████████████20%
Education Funding██████████████14%
Public Safety█████████████13%
Procedural██████████10%
Affordable Housing████████8%
Budget Equity Analysis███3%
Fiscal Sustainability███3%
Immigration██2%
Summary of Proceedings

Everett City Council Meeting - January 14, 2026

On January 14, 2026, the Everett City Council held its regular meeting, which included the swearing-in of eight new police officers, a presentation from Everett Public Schools on a bond and levy proposal for the February 10 election, a public hearing on housekeeping amendments to development regulations, approval of three action items for special improvement projects, and an annual update from the Everett Public Library.

Consent Calendar

  • Adopted a resolution authorizing claims against the city of $1,798,481.35 for the period ending December 27, 2025, through January 2, 2026.
  • Adopted a resolution authorizing payroll claims of $6,892,075.65 for the period ending December 13, 2025.
  • Awarded and authorized a contract with Landscape Structures, Inc. for playground equipment and installation at Wiggums Hollow Playground in the amount of $476,169.15.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • William (Silver Lake resident) opposed replacing playground equipment, suggesting the use of concrete instead and arguing that replacement was too soon given the condition of other parks.
  • John (Everett resident) expressed support for federal immigration enforcement, urged the council to publicly declare that residents should not hinder federal law enforcement officers, and invited council to encourage the school district to allow pro-ICE student demonstrations. He also criticized the land acknowledgement and noted the recovery of an injured ICE agent.

Guest Presentation: Everett Public Schools Bond and Levy

Superintendent Dr. Ian Saltzman and district staff presented a proposal for a February 10, 2026 election. The package includes two propositions:

  • Proposition 1 (Bond): $396.8 million for school construction, addressing a billion dollars in facility needs. Projects include a new elementary school to alleviate overcrowding (103 portables at elementary level, one in four students in learning cottages), replacement of Lowell Elementary, renovation of Everett High School's vocational building, a new STEM/CTE building at Cascade High School, and district-wide safety and security upgrades, roof/HVAC replacements, playground replacements, and synthetic turf fields at two middle schools.
  • Proposition 2 (Levy): Renewal of the existing education and operations levy (not a new tax), providing 15% of the district's operating budget. Funds support counselors, psychologists, classroom assistants, health room staff, custodians, technology support, academic programs (STEM, AP, college in the high school), arts, music, drama, and athletics.

Financial summary: Combined tax rate estimated at $3.95 per $1,000 of assessed value, approximately $15 more per month for a home valued at $600,000. Ballots drop January 22, election February 10. Community meetings are scheduled at Cascade High School (Jan. 20), Everett High School (Jan. 21), and Heatherwood Middle School (Jan. 27), all at 6 p.m.

Discussion Items: Public Hearing on CB 2512-91 (Everett 2044 Housekeeping Amendments)

Planning Director York Stevens provided a staff report on proposed amendments to development regulations. Key proposed changes include:

  • Adding an inflation adjustment provision recommended by the Planning Commission (fee-in-lieu rates increased by CPI-U for the previous 12 months).
  • Reducing the fee-in-lieu rate for owner-occupied housing from $15 to $9 per square foot (a 40% reduction) to encourage homeownership.
  • Removing the 12-year owner-occupancy covenant requirement due to concerns about marketability and homeowner flexibility; instead, staff proposed requiring that units be sold separately with an agreement prohibiting bulk sales to entities that would rent them, or a mutually agreeable alternative.

Public comment: Russell Joe of Master Builders supported the reduction to $9 per square foot and praised the city's analysis. He urged approval to promote homeownership opportunities.

Councilmember Ryan raised concerns about the 12-year covenant being too burdensome and announced she would bring an amendment at the next meeting (Jan. 21) to limit the reduced fee-in-lieu to new housing developments only, not redevelopments that could cause displacement. Councilmember Zarlingo confirmed that the focus is on increasing homeownership, especially given Everett's majority-renter status.

The public hearing was closed, and the item will return for third and final reading on January 21.

Action Items (3rd & Final Readings)

  • CB 2512-88: Adopted an ordinance creating a Special Improvement Project for Pedestrian Safety RRFB (Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons) at Everett Ave & 79th Pl SE. (Unanimous)
  • CB 2512-89: Adopted an ordinance amending Ordinance No. 4010-24 for the Walter E. Hall Park Community Connections Path. (Unanimous)
  • CB 2512-90: Adopted an ordinance creating a Special Improvement Project for I-5/US-2 Interim Ramp Improvements. (Unanimous)

Briefing: Everett Public Library Annual Update

Library Director Abigail Coulé and Board President Joshua Glasgow presented the 2025 annual report and the draft 2026-2028 Strategic Plan. Highlights:

  • The library experienced a 12% budget reduction in 2025, losing federal IMLS funding and facing state cuts. Staffing decreased by 6+ full-time equivalents (FTEs) from 2024 to 2025, totaling a 19 FTE reduction since 2018.
  • Service hours were cut 25% (from 96 to 72 hours per week). The materials budget was slashed by $230,000 (nearly one-third).
  • Despite cuts, the library had nearly 250,000 visitors, over 13,000 attendees at 500 programs, 228,000 physical items checked out, and 245,000 digital checkouts (first time digital surpassed physical). Librarians answered 51,000 questions (14 per hour). Public computers were used 29,412 times.
  • Community impact: Patrons saved $7.2 million by borrowing items. For every $1 budgeted, the library returned $2.13 in community benefit.
  • The draft strategic plan outlines five goals: reinforce core services, make low-cost layout changes for safety, clarify the library's role in social services, strengthen outreach, and increase community visibility. The Board of Trustees aims to restore full funding by the end of 2027.
  • Councilmember Ryan requested updated cost estimates to reopen libraries full time, possibly by the January 31 council retreat. Councilmembers expressed strong support for restoring library funding.

Executive Session & Settlement Approvals

Following a 15-minute executive session, the council approved two litigation settlements:

  • $75,000 to former bus operator Teresa Harrod (employment-related claim).
  • $350,200 to firefighter Elliott Ward (workers' compensation claim).

Key Outcomes

  • Eight new police officers were sworn in, reducing department vacancies to 14 (93% staffing).
  • Mayor Franklin announced the opening of the remodeled public works department in the Everett Municipal Building and recommended three appointments (two to the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee, one to the Planning Commission), which were confirmed.
  • Consent items approved unanimously.
  • Action items approved unanimously.
  • Public hearing on CB 2512-91 continued to January 21 for final reading, with a potential amendment from Councilmember Ryan.
  • Council retreat scheduled for January 31 at 9 a.m.
  • Library update received; council committed to considering funding restoration.

Meeting Transcript

Good evening, residents of Everett Washington. I'd like to call the order the Everett City Council meeting for January 14th, 2026. For information on council meetings and how to participate, please visit our website at Everettwad.gov forward slash city council. We have a great crowd tonight. Thank you for being here. Thanks for bringing your families too. It's music to my ears. I appreciate that. Clerk, please take the role. Mayor Franklin here. Councilmember Zarlingo. Here. Councilmember Burbano. Right here. Councilmember Tweed? Yes, here. Councilmember Weir. Excuse. Councilmember Bader. Here. Vice President Ryan. Here, President Schwab. Here. At this time, I'd like to ask Councilmember Boubano to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Thank you. At this time, I'd like to ask our vice president, Paula Ryan, to read the land acknowledgement. City Council wishes to acknowledge the original inhabitants of this place, the Stopes people and their successors, the Taleleph tribes. Since time immemorial, they have hunted, fished, gathered on, and taken care of these lands and waters. We respect their sovereignty and their right to self-determination and honor their sacred spiritual connection with the land and water. We will strive to be honest about our past mistakes to bring about a future that includes their voices, their stories, and their people for a more just and equitable society. Thank you very much. Good evening, Mayor. Good evening, President Schwab Council and Community. It's my honor to invite Chief Getz forward to swear in a number of officers this evening. Thank you, Council Member or President Schwab, Mayor Franklin, and Council members. Today is a proud and meaningful day for the Ebert Police Department. We are here to officially welcome a new group of officers who have chosen to serve this community with honor, integrity, and professionalism. Each of these officers arrive with a unique background, but they all share a common commitment to public service. Policing is ultimately about people, the people we serve and the people who serve beside us. These officers have earned their place here through hard work, discipline, and a clear desire to make a positive difference. We are proud to have them join our ranks, and we are confident they will represent the department and the city with professionalism and heart. To the family and loved ones. Here today, thank you. Your support makes this moment possible, and we are grateful to welcome you into the Everett Police Department family as well. And before I uh introduce our new police officers to be sworn in, I just want to give you a quick update. And uh, you know, in six months from now, we might have an additional eight as well. Um, and then finally, uh, as a from a staffing update, we're down to only 14 vacancies, which is uh we're seeing the highest um uh rate of I should say the lowest vacancy rate that we've had a long, long time. So we're really proud of that, really proud of the staff for getting us to where we are. But let's talk about our new officers. Ashley Blum.

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