Everett City Council Meeting Summary – June 18, 2026

Note: The agenda and transcript list the meeting date as June 17, 2026; however, the instruction provided specifies June 18, 2026. This summary uses the instructed date but acknowledges the discrepancy.

The Everett City Council met on June 18, 2026, to conduct regular business including consent items, public comments, action items, and new business regarding charter review. The meeting began with roll call, pledge of allegiance, land acknowledgment, and unanimous approval of the June 10, 2026 minutes.

Consent Calendar

• Approved Resolution authorizing claims against the City of Everett in the amount of $7,621,238.65 for the period ending May 30, 2026, through June 5, 2026.
• Approved Resolution authorizing payroll claims of $6,331,092.47 for the same period.
• Authorized the Mayor to sign a Professional Services Agreement with David Evans and Associates, Inc. for $3,602,534.
• Accepted the West Marine View Drive and Alverson Blvd Pedestrian Improvements project as complete.
• Adopted a Resolution closing the Drew Nielsen Park Playground Replacement special improvement project.
• Adopted a Resolution closing the Everett Fire Administration Building Masonry Restoration project.
• Awarded the Construction Contract for the PGSF West Marine View Drive Storm and Combined Sewer, Package 1 project to Interwest Construction, Inc. for $11,637,311.00.
• Authorized the Mayor to apply for a Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office Youth Athletic Facilities grant for Kasch Park Soccer Fields Turf Replacement.
• Authorized the Mayor to sign a Professional Services Agreement with KBA, Inc. for construction management and inspection services for the storm/sewer project for up to $2,520,428.00.
• Authorized a Professional Services Agreement with Parametrix, Inc. for $942,676.24 for I-5/US-2 Interim Ramp Improvements.
• Awarded the contract for Lift Station No. 1 Valve Replacement and WPCF Chlorine Contact Channel Isolation Valve Replacement to Prospect Construction for $624,238.59.
• Accepted a Washington State Office of Public Defense SPAR grant of $160,000 for fiscal year 2027.

Public Comments & Testimony

• William Parents (Silver Lake) expressed concern about gasoline quality at Everett stations, stating that his vehicle used significantly more fuel when purchased in Everett compared to elsewhere, and felt forced to buy gas outside the city.
• John Van Dalen (Everett) invited the council to the annual amateur radio field day at Legion Park, highlighting its role in emergency communication during disasters. He noted that Everett’s CERT program includes amateur radio operators.
• Dustin Graves (Lake Stevens) speaking on behalf of Everett Figure Skating Club, raised multiple governance concerns about Oak View Group (OVG), the operator of the public rink, including billing disputes, threats to the club’s ability to operate, and lack of meaningful oversight by the Everett Public Facilities District (EPFD). He requested the city provide oversight.
• Reese (12-year-old skater, Everett) described how the ongoing conflict at the rink caused her coach to leave, affecting her training and the skating community. She asked for a stable environment for figure skaters.
• Dottie Medalia (Arlington), president of Everett Figure Skating Club, detailed her efforts to revive the club after COVID, growing learn-to-skate from 80 to 280 participants and increasing revenue per session from $12,000 to $27,000. She alleged that when concerns were raised with EPFD, the club was threatened with losing programming and was told not to go to the board. She urged council to change leadership to protect the club.
• Linda Park (Lynnwood), parent of a club member, spoke in support of Dottie Medalia and the club, stating she chose Everett’s rink over other facilities and asking the council not to force the club out.
• Janine Demer (Everett) criticized the proposed stadium deal, urging the council to demand the Mariners cover costs and to prioritize human needs over “luxuries.” She also condemned harassment outside Planned Parenthood and called for policy changes.
• Daryl (Everett Transit driver) opposed the potential merger of Everett Transit with Community Transit, arguing that raising the sales tax by 0.06% would reduce local service and that Everett Transit effectively serves residents.
• Richard Bernison (Everett, senior) pleaded to keep Everett Transit, stating that losing it would take away his freedom and mobility, as Community Transit’s DART service is unreliable.
• Sherry Eyerton (Everett), member of the City Charter Review Committee, reported that many residents do not know their council members and find evening/weekend meetings inaccessible. She also conveyed interest in “deepening the bench” for future leaders, suggested more engagement via social media or email.
• Mina Ecladius (residence unclear) a financial advisor, offered to share ideas on universal income and homeownership, expressing frustration about not knowing whom to approach with solutions.

Discussion Items

• Council Comments:

  • Councilmember Weir congratulated graduates, highlighted Sorticulture (12,000 attendees) and FIFA watch parties on the waterfront (6,000 attendees over two days), and promoted upcoming events including Pride block party.
  • Councilmember (appearing to be Councilmember Zarlingo) expanded on the amateur radio field day’s emergency preparedness value, reported on neighborhood meetings (Pinehurst Beverly Park, Valley View) where the upcoming AMS Levy and library resources were discussed, and noted the new Crisis Care Center in Lynnwood. He also briefed the council on his participation in the Puget Sound Regional Council transportation policy board, where Everett’s successful World Cup watch party transit shuttles were highlighted.
  • Councilmember Barbano had no comments.
  • Councilmember Chewy thanked public speakers, noted a July 1 community health and safety committee meeting is canceled.
  • Councilmember Bader had no comments.
  • President Schwab reported good news on state pension fund funding rates and that the United Soccer League is meeting with potential local owners for a team.

• Proposed Action Items:

  • CB 2606-31 (2nd reading): Ordinance authorizing acquisition of land for the Everett Outdoor Events Center, including use of eminent domain if required. Final reading set for June 24, 2026. No discussion.
  • CB 2606-32 (1st reading): Ordinance amending the Edgewater Park Renovation Project fund. Final reading July 1, 2026. No discussion.

• Action Item:

  • CB 2605-30 (3rd and final reading): Ordinance creating the “California Street Ped/Bike Corridor Phase 2” special improvement project. Passed unanimously.

• New Business – Charter Review Resolutions: President Schwab opened discussion on directing staff to prepare an ordinance for charter amendments based on the charter review committee’s recommendations. Councilmember Bader moved to include items 1–8 (with combinations and excluding the 60-day initiative notice from item 6). Councilmember Tui moved an amendment to add item 9 (term limits of three consecutive full terms). The amendment was seconded and included. After brief clarification, the motion as amended passed unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• All 12 consent items were approved unanimously.
• The action item (CB 2605-30) for the California Street Ped/Bike Corridor Phase 2 was adopted unanimously.
• The council directed staff to prepare an ordinance for charter amendments that includes: combining items 1 and 4 (eligibility for council and mayor), item 2 (council meeting thresholds), combining items 3 and 8 (website publication of ordinances and notices), item 5 (civil service), item 6 with modification (initiative and referendum changes, retaining existing filing period), item 7 (five-year charter review cycle), and adding item 9 (term limits of three consecutive full terms). The ordinance will undergo three readings beginning at the next meeting.