Everett City Council Meeting – July 30, 2026

The Everett City Council met on July 30, 2026, at 10:00 AM in City Council Chambers. The meeting covered a range of topics including approvals of consent items, first readings of ordinances for pier removal and a gazebo, final readings of the Multifamily Tax Exemption (MFTE) update and Outdoor Event Center funding, a property purchase resolution for the event center, and a briefing on transferring surplus utility property for affordable housing. The council also heard a presentation from the Oakview Group regarding figure skating programs at the Everett Community Ice Rink and received public comments on the figure skating dispute and proposed Everett Transit consolidation.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes of July 22, 2026 (unanimous).
• Adopted resolutions authorizing claims: $3,032,340.01 (period ending July 17, 2026), $6,425,382.12 (payroll), $10,208,858.07 (electronic claims May 2026), $10,006,011.69 (electronic claims June 2026).
• Awarded purchase of four paratransit vehicles from Schetky Bus & Van Sales for approximately $746,516.
• Authorized release of IFB for HVAC inspection, maintenance, and repair services.
• Authorized application for Emergency Management Performance Grant.
• Closed Special Improvement Project "Cedar Hall & Recreation Building Demo".
• Approved Amendment No. 3 with MacLeod Reckord for Forest Park Pickleball Court construction support.
• Authorized application for FY26 LEMHWA Grant ($249,269).
• Approved Amendment No. 2 with OAC Services for Main Library Building Envelope Improvements.
• Approved Change Order No. 11 with Granite Construction for Edgewater Creek Bridge Replacement ($309,888.42; revised total $27,870,011.31).
• Authorized PSA with HDR Engineering for Water Transmission Line No. 5 route study ($957,856).
• Approved Amendment No. 2 with Otak for Dorn Avenue Drainage Improvements (revised total $820,375).
• Authorized amended Interlocal Agreements with Public Facilities District.
• Awarded construction contract for South Police Precinct HVAC Controls Replacement to Hi Mark Construction ($411,297.45).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Sarah Sentaki and Ishita Gantepali (Mill Creek residents, Jackson High School interns) proposed a youth social media team to promote Everett’s small businesses and events, emphasizing the need to reach younger generations through authentic content on Instagram/TikTok.
• Linda Park (Lynnwood resident, parent of Everett Figure Skating Club skater) spoke about the club’s denied contract renewal after nearly 20 years, alleging a conflict of interest with Oakview Group (OVG) controlling ice allocation while offering competing programs. She stated that the PFD directed OVG to continue selling ice time but no contract was offered, and OVG’s attorney letters were hostile.
• Jedan Mitton (Bothell resident, parent) asked for transparent policies and governance at the rink, describing decisions as arbitrary and alleging retaliation after raising concerns.
• Dottie Madaya (Arlington resident, parent) countered OVG’s statements: said EFSC submitted three contracts that were rejected, OVG refused to meet, and the club’s old contract was not offered. Noted loss of coaches from 28 to 16, and that OVG’s Learn to Skate program is not growing as claimed.
• Monica Thurgood (Everett resident, figure skating mom) urged the council to use influence to support EFSC, noting uncertainty about ice times and the value of the club’s programs and competitions like Blades on Broadway.
• Carl Newy Lawson (Camano Island resident, 27-year Everett Transit driver) opposed proposed consolidation with Community Transit, arguing it would double taxes without a public vote and he would retire rather than work for CT.
• David North (Edmonds resident, Everett Transit driver) contrasted the two agencies: Everett Transit has higher expectations, better public safety integration, and less tolerance for disorder, while Community Transit has open drug use and a hands-off policy. He urged a public vote.
• Jane Zimmerman (Everett resident, retired city engineer) shared personal struggles with family trauma and interactions with city services, indicating she would return to address further concerns.

Discussion Items

Figure Skating Presentation and Q&A Mayor Franklin invited Richard Dana, Assistant General Manager of Oakview Group (operator of Everett Community Ice Rink under contract with PFD), to provide an operational update. Dana stated that ice time demand is growing, Learn to Skate participation doubled, and OVG is expanding rink-operated figure skating programs. He claimed EFSC canceled meetings and that OVG continues to offer ice time to the club. He said the decision to expand rink-run programs was made to increase public offerings and financial sustainability, with full PFD board transparency. He noted EFSC has ice time reserved through August and maintains home ice designation. In response to Councilmember Ryan’s questions, Dana confirmed the rink has a written ice allocation policy (kept flexible) and that OVG is willing to lease ice to EFSC. He said the club’s contract proposal was not acceptable because it locked in terms no municipality would sign. Councilmember Ryan requested a copy of the policy. Mayor Franklin noted that state law limits council oversight of the PFD, but encouraged feedback at PFD board meetings (fourth Wednesday at 9 AM).

Briefing on Property Transfer for Affordable Housing (CB 2607-39) Community Development Manager Kembra Landry presented a first-reading ordinance establishing procedures for transferring utility property for public benefit (affordable housing) under RCW 39.33.015. The ordinance adds sections to EMC 3.84. Council must first pass a resolution (item 26) to transfer 6731 Beverly Boulevard from Fund 401 to Fund 197. Staff will then seek development partners. Councilmember Ryan asked about property notification; staff said no list of properties is confirmed yet. Councilmember Ryan requested a list of potential properties.

Langus Pier Removal (CB 2607-40, First Reading) Parks Director Kimberly Moore explained the pier was damaged by a derelict vessel in March 2025. Insurance funds will be used for removal and redirected to other park projects. Councilmember Tui clarified no replacement is planned.

Turnbull Gazebo at Harborview Park (CB 2607-41, First Reading) Moore stated the gazebo design work will proceed, with further outreach to neighbors before finalizing location within the park.

Outdoor Event Center Funding (CB 2607-36, Third Reading) Council approved the ordinance amending the project fund to accumulate costs for design and partial property acquisition. Councilmember Tui asked about payback to the general fund; staff said a resolution will come in a few weeks, with financing expected in early fall.

Property Purchase for Outdoor Events Center (Item 25) Council adopted a resolution approving the property purchase, implementing the funding ordinance just passed.

Briefing on Transfer of 6731 Beverly Boulevard (Item 26) Frank Hall (Housing Policy) said the property is being transferred to the affordable housing fund. No project is confirmed yet, but the city is in active negotiations with developers for family-sized affordable housing. Councilmember Ryan supported the transfer and also mentioned interest in a food truck lot elsewhere. Action on this resolution will occur after the property surplus ordinance passes (expected at later meeting).

Key Outcomes

• Approved July 22, 2026 minutes (unanimous).
• Approved all 16 consent items (unanimous).
• Approved CB 2606-35 (MFTE program update, third reading) – unanimous.
• Approved CB 2607-36 (Outdoor Event Center funding, third reading) – 7-1 (Councilmember Tui voted no).
• Approved CB 2607-38 (South Police Precinct HVAC, third reading) – unanimous.
• Approved lease amendment at 3310 Paine Avenue – unanimous.
• Approved appointments for voter pamphlet pro/con committees for Propositions 1-5 (unanimous). Staff noted still seeking volunteers for con committees and some pro slots.
• Approved resolution for property purchase for Outdoor Event Center (unanimous).
• Briefing on 6731 Beverly Boulevard property transfer; action scheduled for August 12, 2026 after passage of enabling ordinance.
• First readings held for CB 2607-39 (property transfer procedures), CB 2607-40 (Langus Pier removal), CB 2607-41 (Turnbull Gazebo); final readings set for August 12, 2026.