Everett City Council Meeting – March 11, 2026

The Everett City Council convened at 6:30 PM on March 11, 2026, in the City Council Chambers. The meeting included public testimony on workers' compensation disputes and a proposed ordinance on fentanyl exposure, followed by consent calendar approvals, a legislative update, and action items for utility billing reforms, dock repairs, and lodging tax allocations.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes from March 4, 2026.
• Adopted resolutions for claims payable ($6,107,847.92) and payroll ($6,004,656.44).
• Authorized amendments for Jetty Island Ferry service (Argosy LP), a Type III Ambulance RFP, the Everett Police Management Association collective bargaining agreement, Thornton A. Sullivan Park dock repairs (Reid Middleton), and a Snohomish Conservation District grant amendment.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Dave Haberl (Stanwood): Everett Transit operator injured in a 2025 accident while stopped in a left-turn lane; alleged that Corvel (third‑party administrator) wrongfully denied that his wrist injury was part of the claim, forcing him to hire an attorney and pay $600/month out of his benefits.
• Steve Oz (Everett): Union president for bus drivers; stated that Corvel uses delay-and-deny tactics, cited Haberl’s case and another driver who lost her job due to slow treatment, and urged the council to address Corvel’s performance.
• Christina (Everett): Former bus driver who was injured on the job in July 2024; reported the equipment failure for four months before a “pop” occurred. She underwent surgery two weeks prior and was fired because the 18‑month recovery was deemed too long by HR. She lost her job, pension, and security, blaming Corvel’s slow approvals.
• Kara Wetzelchev (Seattle): Contract social worker with Snohomish County Office of Public Defense; opposed creating a gross‑misdemeanor charge for exposing a minor to fentanyl (CB 2602‑08). She argued that criminalization deters parents from seeking help, that civil remedies exist through DCYF, and that a gross‑misdemeanor sentence (up to 365 days) could prevent parents from reunifying with children within the 12‑month termination timeline.

Discussion Items

• Legislative Update (Administration): The automated license plate reader (ALPR) bill passed, exempting data from public records and resolving the city’s recent lawsuit; step‑housing and residential‑on‑first‑floor commercial bills also passed. A municipal fire authority tool was included in a larger bill (HB 2442) and is awaiting the governor’s signature.
• Utility Billing Changes (CB 2603‑13): Public Works presented a briefing on improving late‑payment administration. Proposed changes: reduce delinquency from 10 to 6 days past due, extend the time before shutoff, and limit restoration payments to past‑due amounts only (not outstanding future amounts). Administrative improvements include enhanced fee‑removal policies, longer notice periods, and a new payment portal with text‑based reminders and multiple‑profile support. Council members asked about implementation timing and coordination with monthly meter reading.
• Endangerment with Controlled Substance (CB 2602‑08): Councilmember Bader questioned the scope compared to state law (which only covers methamphetamine). The city attorney noted that municipal prosecutors have discretion to use diversion programs, and the ordinance creates leverage for treatment options.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Items: Approved unanimously (7‑0).
• CB 2602‑06 (Thornton A. Sullivan Park Floating Dock Repairs): Passed (6‑0).
• CB 2602‑07 (Water Standpipe Replacement): Passed (6‑0).
• CB 2602‑08 (Endangerment with Controlled Substance): Passed (6‑0).
• CB 2602‑10 through CB 2602‑12 (Kiwanis Park Renovations, Library HVAC Replacement, Police Property Room T.I.): All passed as first readings.
• Indigent Defense Amendment (Item 16): Approved as amended to include reimbursement for Everett Law Association moving costs up to $20,000 (6‑0).
• Lodging Tax Expenditures (Item 15): Resolution authorizing 2026 LTAC‑recommended spending passed (4‑0; Councilmember Ryan and Councilmember Weir recused due to affiliations).