Good evening, residents of Everett, Washington.

I would like to call to order the City of Everett Council meeting of October 7th, 2026.

For information on council meetings and how to participate, please visit Everett Wa.gov/slash city council.

Please note that we do not allow comments of any kind of campaigning, whether for or against ballot measures or candidates running for office.

We also do not accept comments focused on personal matters that are unrelated to city business.

For

the record, Mayor Franklin will be attending this evening's meeting remotely.

Clerk, will you please take the roll?

Mayor Franklin.

Here.

Councilmember Bader.

Here.

Vice President Ryan here.

Councilmember Bravano?

Here.

Councilmember Tui here.

Councilmember Weir.

Excuse.

Councilmember Sarlinko.

Here.

President Schwab.

Here.

At this time, I'd like to ask Councilmember Bader to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

I

pledge obedience to the United States of America.

And to the Republic for which it stands one nation under God and individual with liberty and justice.

Thank

you.

And this time I'd like to ask Vice President Ryan to recite the land acknowledgement.

The City Council wishes to acknowledge the original inhabitants of this place, the Stohopes people and their successors, the Tolap tribes.

Since time immemorial, they have hunted, fished, gathered on, and taken care of these lands and waters.

We respect their sovereignty, their right to self-determination, and honor their sacred spiritual connection with the land and waters.

We will strive to be honest about our past mistakes to bring about a future that includes their voices, their people, and their stories for a more just and equitable society.

Thank you.

And this time I'd like to welcome our mayor and her comments, and we'll begin with a proclamation.

I'd like to invite our council general Pashkash Gaptal to our front, please.

Good evening.

I am so sorry that I can't be with you in person tonight, but I'm really honored to share the following proclamation.

Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is one of the most significant and cherished celebrations for millions of people around the world, including many residents of the Everett community.

And in December last year, Di Pavali was officially added to the UNESCO's representative list of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity, recognizing it as a significant social and festive tradition of India.

And Diwali holds deep cultural, historical and spiritual significance, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and hope over despair.

And the observance of Diwali brings families and communities together through traditions that include lighting lamps, sharing meals, exchanging goodwill, and participating in acts of service and reflection.

And the city of Everett is home to a vibrant and rapidly growing Indian and Hindu community whose cultural heritage enriches the social, economic, and civic fabric of our city.

And formally recognizing Diwali reflects Everett's ongoing commitment to honoring the diverse communities that strengthen our city and contribute to its spirit of inclusion, understanding, and mutual respect.

And

the consulate general of India in Seattle continues to foster people-to-people ties between India and the United States, strengthening cultural bonds celebrated through shared traditions such as Diwali.

Now, therefore, be it resolved.

I, Cassie Franklin, mayor of the City of Everett, do hereby proclaim November 8th, 2026 as Diwali the Festival of Lights Day, and encourage all residents to join in recognizing the cultural richness, community contributions, and enduring values celebrated during this important festival.

Since I can't be there in person, I know President Schwab has the proclamation to present to you.

Thank

you.

Good evening, Namaste and Jahin, and greetings from all people of India.

I want to first begin by thanking all the council members and President Schwab for all your help in helping us put this together at the City Council.

I want to convey our gratitude to Mayor Cassie Franklin for this exceptional gesture of honoring India's greatest festival of lights today, the city of Everett.

We are deeply touched by your woman.

We are deeply touched by your warmth and the text of the proclamation, which is very very reassuring for the Indian American community here in Everett.

In our ancient texts, it's also symbolizes the eradication of darkness and the coming of light, which is also the desire for hope.

So we hope that today marks a new beginning in our relationship with the city of Everett.

I want to thank once again each and every council member.

That's why we have brought this uh lamp lighting ceremony, which we do in India to mark the festival of lights.