Everett City Council Meeting - September 14, 2026

Note on date discrepancy: The provided instruction gives the meeting date as September 14, 2026, but the agenda and transcript indicate the meeting occurred on September 9, 2026. Additionally, the agenda lists a start time of 8:00 AM, while the transcript repeatedly refers to "Good evening," suggesting a possible evening session. This summary follows the source materials for content.

The Everett City Council met on September 9, 2026, in City Council Chambers. The meeting included roll call, pledge of allegiance, land acknowledgment, and mayor’s comments. Key topics covered approval of minutes, public comments on transit, arena management, and a proposed outdoor events center, consent items, a budget amendment, a public hearing on land division procedures, and final readings on eminent domain, sewer improvements, and utility district jurisdiction.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes of September 2, 2026 (unanimous).
• Adopted Resolution authorizing claims of $2,675,239.69 (August 22–28, 2026).
• Adopted Resolution authorizing payroll claims of $6,217,235.10 (period ending August 22, 2026).
• Adopted Resolution authorizing electronic transfer claims of $12,244,710.60 (July 1–31, 2026).
• Authorized mayor to approve PSA amendment for Nancy Locke not to exceed $160,000 total compensation.
• Adopted Resolution closing Special Improvement Project “Water Pollution Control Facility Combined Conveyance Improvements” Fund 336, Program 032.
• Authorized mayor to sign Sewer Services Agreement with Mukilteo Water & Wastewater District.
• Adopted Resolution closing Special Improvement Project “Lift Station #15” Fund 336, Program 041.
• Awarded approximately $700,000 annually to Fire Protection, Inc. for fire alarm and sprinkler services via King County contract.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Dustin Graves (Everett resident) expressed concern about the Oak View Group’s management of Angel of the Winds Arena and alleged conflicts of interest among PFD board members also involved in the new arena project. He stated that the skating club had been "barred from reasonable club activities" and that the city’s response had been inadequate. Mayor Franklin and City Attorney Lacey Offitt responded that the concerns were unfounded, stating there is no conflict of interest and that the city has no oversight authority over the PFD.
• Gina Moore (Spokane resident) requested the council adopt a proclamation for Bone Marrow Awareness Day and support the National Marrow Donor Program; she was directed to share her sample proclamation with staff.
• Danny Anderson (Everett, District 3) urged the council to vote no on the merger of Everett Transit with Community Transit, citing the personal service and community relationships provided by Everett Transit drivers.
• Annie Lyman (Everett, District 3) questioned the cost increase for the stadium project from $80 million to $120 million, the use of eminent domain before funding secured, lack of public input, and absence of firm contracts with sports teams.
• William Perrent (Silver Lake area) thanked the council for new green paint on bike lanes and requested additional directional signage.
• Holly James (Everett, Northwest Neighborhood) asked about a contingency plan for the stadium, cost overruns, the impact on the 2027 budget, and the lack of public benefits from the project. She noted she had not received responses to emailed questions.
• Steve Oz (Everett) recounted the history of a transit sales tax initiative that was changed from his original wording after passage; he urged the council to vote no on a proposed 0.6% sales tax increase because citizens had no direct vote.
• June Schober (Everett, District 3) thanked the council for ensuring paratransit services remain unchanged under the transit consolidation.

Discussion Items

• Budget Amendment (CB 2608-49, 1st Reading): Finance Director Chris Godwin presented the second budget amendment of 2026, which includes grant reappropriations, increased revenue from a 6% utility tax approved earlier in 2026, and additional maintenance and operations funding for public works. The net effect on general fund balance is positive, while non-general government funds will see a draw on fund balance. The third and final reading is set for September 23, 2026.
• Land Division Procedures (CB 2608-48, Public Hearing): The public hearing included comments from Dave Gardner (Chicago Title) supporting unit lot subdivisions to enable fee-simple homeownership (especially for FHA/VA buyers), Russell Joe (Master Builders) supporting lot splits for increased density and fee-simple ownership, and Gordy Lindstrom (Everett resident and broker) urging explicit language in the code for second land divisions. The council closed the hearing and will take final action after Department of Commerce review, expected on October 14, 2026.
• Eminent Domain for Outdoor Events Center (CB 2608-44, 3rd Reading): Councilmember Weir asked about the necessity of eminent domain. Scott Patison responded that a property (known as "26") was recently determined to be in the building footprint, so this ordinance adds it to previously approved acquisitions. Negotiations have just begun; eminent domain is a precaution due to the lengthy process (14–15 months). The ordinance passed unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Consent items (8 items): Approved unanimously.
• CB 2608-47 (41st Street to Rucker Avenue Corridor Phase 2): Second reading held; third and final reading scheduled for September 16, 2026.
• CB 2608-49 (Budget Amendment #2): First reading held; third and final reading scheduled for September 23, 2026.
• CB 2608-48 (Land Division Procedures): Public hearing closed; final vote scheduled for October 14, 2026 after Department of Commerce review.
• CB 2608-44 (Eminent domain for Outdoor Events Center): Passed unanimously (5-0).
• CB 2608-45 (Port Gardner Storage Facility Bond Street Combined Sewer Improvements): Passed unanimously.
• CB 2608-46 (Assume jurisdiction over Mukilteo Water & Wastewater District responsibilities): Passed unanimously.
• Councilmember Ryan requested formal oversight parameters and a community benefit agreement for the Outdoor Events Center, and suggested adding an independent city ombudsman.
• Councilmember Weir noted vacancies on the Cultural Arts Commission and encouraged public involvement in boards and commissions.