Everett City Council Meeting – July 2, 2026

The Everett City Council met on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. in Council Chambers. The meeting included a land acknowledgment, Mayor’s comments honoring former Councilmember Paul Roberts, reports from councilmembers, a series of public comments, consent agenda approvals, first and second readings of proposed ordinances, and a briefing on the six-year Transportation Improvement Program. The council also discussed proposed amendments to the City Charter and an electric‑assisted bicycle ordinance. Action was taken on several items, with final decisions scheduled for later meetings.

Consent Calendar

• Approved Resolution authorizing claims against the city in the amount of $1,792,030.45 for the period ending June 19, 2026.
• Approved Resolution authorizing payroll claims in the amount of $6,236,890.39 for the period ending June 18, 2026.
• Awarded the Construction Contract for the Edgewater Park Renovation to Diverse Earthworks, Inc. for $2,772,095.62.
• Authorized Amendment No. 2 to a Professional Service Agreement with KPFF Consulting Engineers for the Later Phase Eclipse Mill Park and Riverfront Trail Improvement Project, increasing the amount not to exceed $1,265,575.
• Authorized the Temporary Right of Way Use Permit and Agreement with Marine View Development LLC.
• Authorized Amendment No. 1 to On‑call Corrosion Control Services with Norton Corrosion Limited, LLC, increasing the contract to $200,000 and extending the expiration to December 31, 2029.
• Awarded the Contract for the TFI Bar Screen Pipe Repair to Award Construction Inc. for $651,761.95.
• Authorized Amendment No. 5 to Parking Management Services Agreement with Downtown Everett Association.

Public Comments & Testimony

Several residents spoke about management and safety issues at the Everett Community Ice Rink (Angel of the Winds Arena). Dustin, Roya Fragani, Bruce Arneson, Donna Medallia (President of Everett Figure Skating Club), and Anna Porterfield expressed concerns about OVG Management’s authority, inconsistent enforcement, unsafe ice conditions, retaliation against coaches and skaters, and the breakdown of communication with the Public Facilities District (PFD). They urged the council to examine the accountability structure and requested that the PFD board address documented failures. The Mayor later pledged to submit a formal request for a response from the PFD board.

June Schober (District 3 resident) asked the council to set a goal of publishing a draft interlocal agreement for transit consolidation by early September, pointing to potential hiring opportunities from layoffs at Portland’s TriMet.

Annie Rich (Lake Stevens) opposed the proposed annexation of Everett Transit into Community Transit, stating she saw no specific plans to maintain transit quality for seniors, disabled, and low‑income riders.

Colden Brown (U.S. Small Business Administration) provided updates on disaster assistance deadlines: individual assistance through August 8, 2026, and SBA economic injury loans until January 7, 2027.

John Peoples (Everett) criticized the land acknowledgement as “unjustly vague” and spoke in favor of council term limits, park maintenance, and celebrating Independence Day.

Discussion Items

Electric‑Assisted Bicycle Ordinance (CB 2606-34) – First Reading Staff presented a proposal to create a new chapter in city code for e‑bikes and other electric mobility devices, align with state law, and set speed/age/helmet requirements. Key points:

• Three‑class e‑bike system (class 1 & 2 up to 20 mph, class 3 up to 28 mph) with under‑16 restrictions and helmet rules.
• “Micro‑mobility devices” (under 20 mph) allowed where bicycles go; “powered personal transporters” (over 20 mph) restricted to roadways.
• No sidewalk riding in the Central Business District (Pacific to Everett Ave, W. Marine View to Broadway); exceptions for starting/stopping at the curb.
• Council discussion centered on helmet requirements (Councilmember Ryan proposed expanding helmets to all e‑bikes, but concerns were raised about practicality for rental scooters), enforcement limitations (officer‑witness rule), and planned public outreach. The ordinance will return for third reading on July 22.

City Charter Amendments (CB 2606-33) – Second Reading The council reviewed nine proposed charter amendments from the Charter Review Commission. Debate focused on several propositions:

• Proposition 1 (Eligibility): Whether candidates must be a registered voter for one year. Councilmember Ryan proposed a version dropping the one‑year voter registration requirement but keeping one‑year residency. Others (Councilmembers Bader, Zarlingo, Burbano) supported the commission’s full one‑year requirement. The interim city attorney will revise language for the final reading on July 15.
• Proposition 2 (Meeting schedule): Lowering from 48 to 36 meetings per year, with at least two per month and a published schedule. Discussion on start time – current language “no later than 6:30 p.m.” may be changed to “no earlier than 6:30” to allow flexibility. Council consensus favored retaining a fixed evening start time.
• Proposition 6 (Initiative/referendum): The commission’s 60‑day signature‑gathering period for referendums was removed from the draft due to legal concerns; the current 15‑day period will be retained.
• Proposition 7 (Charter review cycle): Proposing a five‑year review rather than the current 10 years. Most councilmembers expressed support for keeping 10 years, citing stability and workload, but agreed to seek further input from the commission before the final vote.
• Proposition 9 (Term limits): Council President Schwab proposed adding term limits (three four‑year terms for council, two for mayor). Opposition from several members noted the commission voted not to include it, that term limits are uncommon in Washington cities, and that voters can already term‑limit incumbents. The item will be decided on July 15.

Edgewater Park Renovation (CB 2606-32) – Third & Final Reading The ordinance to amend funding for the Edgewater Park Renovation Project (fund 354, program 084) was approved unanimously.

Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) 2027-2032 – Briefing Public Works Director Tom Hood presented the six‑year TIP, which lists financially constrained and unconstrained projects. The TIP authorizes staff to seek external funding. The Transportation Advisory Committee and Planning Commission recommended adoption. A public hearing and action will occur on July 15.

Key Outcomes

• Consent agenda passed unanimously (8 items).
• CB 2606-34 (e‑bikes) passed first reading; third reading set for July 22.
• CB 2606-33 (charter amendments) second reading completed; final reading and vote scheduled for July 15. Council requested that the Charter Review Commission provide additional reasoning on Proposition 7 (review cycle) and Proposition 9 (term limits) before that meeting.
• CB 2606-32 (Edgewater Park) adopted on third reading.
• TIP resolution will be considered on July 15 after a public hearing.
• Mayor’s office will submit a formal request to the Public Facilities District board for a response regarding ice rink management concerns, and council will invite OVG and PFD representatives to a future meeting.
• Councilmember Ryan proposed creating an independent public advocate/ombudsman position in the next budget cycle to handle complex constituent issues.

Note: The agenda listed the meeting date as July 2, 2026, while the transcript referenced “July 1st, 2026.” Per the provided metadata, the meeting occurred on July 2, 2026.