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OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD

Record of Proceedings

Everett City Council Meeting – October 28, 2026: Transit Annexation Public Hearing

City Council & Committees — Wednesday, October 28, 2026

BodyEverett, Washington

SessionCity Council & Committees

DateWednesday, October 28, 2026

StatusNEW · FILED

Video Record

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Transcript — Verbatim

Speaker numbers apply only to this recording.

Unassigned speaker

0:38

Well,

Speaker 1

0:39

good afternoon, residents of Everett Washington.

0:42

I'd like to call the order the Everett City Council meeting of October 28, 2026.

Speaker 2

0:48

For information on our council meetings and how to participate,

Speaker 1

0:51

please visit our website at Everett Wad.gov slash city council.

0:56

We have a really big crowd this afternoon, and I really appreciate that.

1:00

I know all of us do.

1:02

Um we have limited capacity here in our chambers and ask that everybody in the chambers be seated, except for our media um sponsors.

1:12

Um if there are no seats available, um, you can view out in the lobby.

1:17

And I would um appreciate if you have signed up to speak and you're out in the lobby.

1:22

If you could um be prepared to hear your name.

1:25

The conference room video is a little delayed out there, so you got to pay attention if you're um signed up to speak and you can't find space in here.

1:36

Thank you for that.

Unassigned speaker

1:37

Speaker 1

1:37

please note we don't allow comments of any kind of campaigning, whether for or against ballot measures or candidates running for office.

1:44

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

1:49

Um we ask that audience refrain from clapping, cheering, or booing, and no signage allowed of any kind or in the chambers.

1:57

And I want to strictly enforce that today for some not everybody is um accustomed to speaking in open forum, and I appreciate your efforts.

2:06

So please respect um everybody's uh point of view today.

2:10

Thank you.

2:11

We ask that everyone take a seat and not gather in the entryway.

Unassigned speaker

2:14

Speaker 1

2:15

clerk, please take the role.

Speaker 3

2:16

Mayor Franklin here.

2:17

Vice President Ryan here.

2:19

Councilmember Weir here.

2:20

Councilmember Zarlingo?

Speaker 1

2:21

Here.

Speaker 3

2:21

Councilmember Tui here.

2:23

Councilmember Brabano here.

2:24

Councilmember Bader here.

2:25

President Schwab.

Speaker 1

2:26

Here and at this time, I'd like to ask Vice President Ryan to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Speaker 3

2:30

Please

Speaker 4

2:31

stand if you're able.

Speaker 1

3:24

Thank you very much.

3:25

And we'll move to our mayor's comments.

3:27

Good afternoon, Mayor Franklin.

Speaker 5

3:29

Uh good afternoon.

3:30

I have just a few comments today.

3:32

Uh first, I'm pleased to recommend three individuals to serve on two boards, and I'm asking your for your confirmation.

3:38

First to the Everett Housing Authority, Kyle Ward to position four.

3:42

Uh his term would expire then uh in 2031, and Ryan Swannick to position five with also a term expiring in 2027.

3:51

And to the historic commission, Shannon Votto, um, position four and uh term expiring in 2028.

4:00

Uh hoping to have uh

Speaker 6

4:03

move to approve the

Speaker 1

4:04

Speaker 6

4:05

um appointments.

Speaker 7

4:06

Thank you.

4:06

Second the motion.

Speaker 1

4:07

Motion seconds are made.

4:09

Uh is there any council comments or questions?

4:12

Councilmember Sterlingo.

Speaker 6

4:13

Just one note that reading through the um applications and the biographies.

4:17

I'm really impressed and thankful that these people are willing to take this up and contribute all the expertise and background they

Unassigned speaker

4:23

have.

Speaker 1

4:25

Okay.

4:26

Seeing none.

4:26

Um clerk, please take the role.

Speaker 3

4:28

Vice President Ryan, yes.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting

Public Transportation█████████████████████████████████████████████54%

Procedural█████████████15%

Public Engagement████5%

Personnel Matters████5%

Public Health███3%

Public Safety███3%

Economic Development███3%

Sports Facilities██2%

Land Use Planning██2%

Summary of Proceedings

Everett City Council Meeting – October 28, 2026: Transit Annexation Public Hearing

The Everett City Council met on October 28, 2026 to conduct routine business, hear public comment on various topics, and hold a public hearing on the proposed interlocal agreement (ILA) for annexation of Everett Transit into Community Transit (CTET merger). The meeting lasted over three hours with 32 registered public speakers on the transit issue.

Consent Calendar

Claim authorization: adopted a resolution authorizing claims against the city in the amount of $4,511,691.14 (period October 10–16,2026).
Electronic transfer claims: authorized electronic transfer claims of $9,375,796.43 for August 2026.
Tenant improvements: accepted completion of the Everett Municipal Building – Public Works Tenant Improvements Project and authorized the mayor to sign certificate of completion.
Professional services agreement: authorized an agreement with Intelligent Partnerships Inc. for Project Labor Agreement administration up to $150,000.
Job order contracting: approved a professional services agreement with The Gordian Group Inc. for job order contracting services ( estimated annual $350,000 for two years with renewals).
Engineering design: authorized an agreement with Otak Inc. for $999,834 for Olympic Blvd Fish Barrier design.
Call for bids: authorized call for bids for the PGSF Bond Street Combined Sewer Improvements project.
Playground renovation: authorized an agreement with CG Engineering for $41,888 for Walter E. Hall Playground renovation.
All consent items were passed unanimously on a single roll call vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

General Public Comments (before the public hearing)

MJ (Everett resident, name withheld for safety) responded to earlier statements about pro-choice protests outside Planned Parenthood; described her group’s peaceful pro-life presence and alleged harassment by pro-choice protesters; provided video evidence. She claimed their group abides by the FACE Act and does not block entry.
A speaker praised Angel of the Winds Arena and proposed bringing a women’s pro hockey team to Everett.
Angela Monroe (Lake Stephens) read a letter from Rod Ambergie (Everett) who described experiencing aggressive behavior from “I Stand with Planned” protesters while pro-life advocates were praying; said the aggressive behavior undermined pro-choice cause.
Daryl (Everett Transit bus driver) spoke against the transit consolidation citing unnecessary sales tax increase, loss of local service, and efficiency of Everett Transit compared to Community Transit.
Several Spanish-speaking residents (Maria, Sonia, Silvia, Betty Pérez, Liliana) spoke via interpretation; they expressed concerns about safety on buses, long wait times, and the need for better service; many supported the integration with Community Transit to improve security and frequency.

Public Hearing on Transit Annexation (Interlocal Agreement with Community Transit)

Supporters:
- Zach Shoemaker (Bremerton) supported better connections; said he would pay higher sales tax for region-wide service.
- Caleb Short (Linwood) supported merger for reliable service and future light rail connections.
- Brent Terry (Everett District 2) supported merger; said city has built something valuable and should let it become part of something bigger; quoted “give them wings.”
- Sizus Wolf (Seattle) supported merger efficiency; noted a tax increase would happen either way.
- Ray Stephenson (Everett, Economic Alliance Snohomish County) supported merger to improve transportation for recruiting businesses and supporting Naval Station.
- Marita Lauriano (Everett) supported merger but raised concerns about paratransit eligibility changes (los of senior-only eligibility) and route dropping.
- Brock Howell (District 1, Snohomish County Transportation Coalition) supported merger citing 50% service increase by 2031, 15-minute frequency, and new Zip shuttle for paratransit.
- John Lehman (Lake Stephens, carpenters union) supported merger for better worker access.
- Eric Ashley Vinka (Shoreline, Sound Transit) expressed Sound Transit’s full support, noting importance for light rail grant applications.
- Patrick (Seattle) supported consolidation; argued ILA guarantees paratransit protections and in-house service.
- Juan Garcia (Everett, carpenters union) supported merger for apprentice access.
- Nathaniel Reyes (District 2) supported consolidation for better connections; shared personal experience with Everett Transit.
- Bruce Englehart (Marysville) supported merger; said separate systems hinder connections.
- Gina Jameson (Everett) supported merger; praised Community Transit’s Dart service for her mother-in-law.
- Seth (Everett) supported merger but urged resolution of seniority concerns.
Opponents:
- Brian Pajoli (Everett) opposed ILA; cited poor security on Community Transit, false urgency, and prefer to maintain Everett Transit’s service quality.
- Don Shagam (Lake Stephens, retired) delivered a eulogy for Everett Transit’s 133-year history; mourned loss of community resource without a vote.
- Carrie Mack (Marysville, Everett Transit driver) spoke against merger; said operator concerns ignored by mayor; raised fears about loss of seniority, working conditions, and paratransit quality.
- Shanine Chapman (District 1) opposed merger; argued residents deserve a vote; questioned tax burden, future senior paratransit eligibility, loss of special event shuttles, and lack of transparency; asked council to hear from Everett Transit leadership.
- Steve Oce (Everett) opposed merger; cited paratransit eligibility changes, Everett Transit’s responsiveness (e.g., Naval Station, Oso), and potential negative impact on Broadway businesses.
- Maritza Lauriano (Everett) opposed merger; said service would drop immediately due to eligibility changes and route dropping; noted co-workers left Community Transit and would not return.
- Deborath Papentine (Marysville, former Everett Transit and Community Transit employee) said it’s not a merger but a takeover; raised many unresolved employee protection questions.
- Emma Calvert (District 2, third-generation city employee) opposed rushed merger; said many unanswered questions.
- Keith Jacobson (District 3, Everett Transit driver) opposed merger; argued no crisis, residents should vote; criticized changed rules that removed voter approval for such a large tax increase.
- Tom Gibbons (unincorporated Snohomish, retired Everett Transit) opposed merger; urged council to secure seniority protections before voting; said drivers believe their seniority will not be honored.
- Daniel Dotson (Everett) opposed; proposed alternative using light buses in neighborhoods and commuter trip reduction programs.
- Kevin Rush (Everett) urged maintaining Everett Transit for local affordable travel.
- Peter Stevens (Everett, business owner) urged slowing down and putting decision to voters; concerned about Broadway parking loss.

Discussion Items

Mayor’s Comments: Announced three board appointments (unanimously confirmed): Kyle Ward and Ryan Swannick to Everett Housing Authority; Shannon Votto to Historic Commission. Provided update on AI permitting tool for ADUs: 95% of ADU applications need extra submittals; current median 250 days with 4 revision cycles; goal to cut to 90 days. Noted Monte Cristo Awards celebration on October 29.
Administrative Report: Bob Leonard clarified that the proposed Swift Gold Line (bus rapid transit from Broadway to Marysville) is a separate project from the merger; public should engage on that.
City Attorney: No comments.
Staff Presentation: Bob Leonard explained urgency: paratransit riders protected in ILA; structural deficits projected in early 2030s; need to prepare for light rail; sales tax increase ultimately required; acting now allows orderly transition and maximizes federal grant odds.
Council Questions on Presentation: Council discussed why decision not placed on ballot; Mayor Franklin said complex decisions are suited for elected representatives, not populist vote. Staff noted state law gave this tool to city council.
Public Hearing: Held with 32 speakers; hearing closed unanimously.
Council Comments and Questions After Hearing: Extensive discussion on employee protections (seniority, benefits, union merger). Candy Bartlett (city labor negotiator) said seniority protected until new contract; if impasse, interest arbitration protects employees; non-union employees also protected; city offering generous transfer payment and wellness fair. Mayor emphasized paratransit eligibility change: current senior benefit will end for new future users; only current 23 riders grandfathered. CT CEO Rick Ilgelfritz and COO Roland Behe explained service planning process: year-long process in 2027 with multiple public rounds; 50% service increase by 2031 based on demand data; microtransit and smaller vehicles considered; assured Everett would be centerpiece and would see return on investment. Concerns about empty buses addressed: frequency attracts ridership; but smaller buses are being studied. Council member Weir highlighted need for concrete seniority protection and preservation of local event shuttle flexibility. Council member Bader raised seniority and union uncertainty.
Councilmember Closing Statements: Many council members thanked public; noted seniority and local flexibility as top concerns.

Key Outcomes

Consent Items: All eight items passed unanimously.
Mayor’s Appointments: Unanimously confirmed.
Political South Precinct Design (CB 2610-53): Firs reading adopted; third and final reading scheduled for November 18,2026.
Transit Annexation (CB 2610-52): Public hearing closed; second reading was on the agenda; no vote on the ILA was taken at this meeting; the item will proceed to third and final reading on November 4,2026. The discussion indicatd council remains divided with many concerns about seniority, paratransit eligibility, and voter enfranchisement.
Next Steps: City to continue employee engagement; ATU international to facilitate union discussions; CT to begin service planning in 2027 if annexation is approved.

Meeting Transcript

Well, good afternoon, residents of Everett Washington. I'd like to call the order the Everett City Council meeting of October 28, 2026. For information on our council meetings and how to participate, please visit our website at Everett Wad.gov slash city council. We have a really big crowd this afternoon, and I really appreciate that. I know all of us do. Um we have limited capacity here in our chambers and ask that everybody in the chambers be seated, except for our media um sponsors. Um if there are no seats available, um, you can view out in the lobby. And I would um appreciate if you have signed up to speak and you're out in the lobby. If you could um be prepared to hear your name. The conference room video is a little delayed out there, so you got to pay attention if you're um signed up to speak and you can't find space in here. Thank you for that. Uh please note we don't allow comments of any kind of campaigning, whether for or against ballot measures or candidates running for office. We do not accept comments focused on personal matters that are unrelated to city business. Um we ask that audience refrain from clapping, cheering, or booing, and no signage allowed of any kind or in the chambers. And I want to strictly enforce that today for some not everybody is um accustomed to speaking in open forum, and I appreciate your efforts. So please respect um everybody's uh point of view today. Thank you. We ask that everyone take a seat and not gather in the entryway. So clerk, please take the role. Mayor Franklin here. Vice President Ryan here. Councilmember Weir here. Councilmember Zarlingo? Here. Councilmember Tui here. Councilmember Brabano here. Councilmember Bader here. President Schwab. Here and at this time, I'd like to ask Vice President Ryan to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Please stand if you're able. Thank you very much. And we'll move to our mayor's comments. Good afternoon, Mayor Franklin. Uh good afternoon. I have just a few comments today. Uh first, I'm pleased to recommend three individuals to serve on two boards, and I'm asking your for your confirmation. First to the Everett Housing Authority, Kyle Ward to position four. Uh his term would expire then uh in 2031, and Ryan Swannick to position five with also a term expiring in 2027. And to the historic commission, Shannon Votto, um, position four and uh term expiring in 2028. Uh hoping to have uh move to approve the uh um appointments. Thank you. Second the motion.

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Everett City Council Meeting – October 28, 2026: Transit Annexation Public Hearing

Consent Calendar

Claim authorization: adopted a resolution authorizing claims against the city in the amount of $4,511,691.14 (period October 10–16,2026).

Electronic transfer claims: authorized electronic transfer claims of $9,375,796.43 for August 2026.

Tenant improvements: accepted completion of the Everett Municipal Building – Public Works Tenant Improvements Project and authorized the mayor to sign certificate of completion.

Professional services agreement: authorized an agreement with Intelligent Partnerships Inc. for Project Labor Agreement administration up to $150,000.

Job order contracting: approved a professional services agreement with The Gordian Group Inc. for job order contracting services ( estimated annual $350,000 for two years with renewals).

Engineering design: authorized an agreement with Otak Inc. for $999,834 for Olympic Blvd Fish Barrier design.

Call for bids: authorized call for bids for the PGSF Bond Street Combined Sewer Improvements project.

Playground renovation: authorized an agreement with CG Engineering for $41,888 for Walter E. Hall Playground renovation.

All consent items were passed unanimously on a single roll call vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

General Public Comments (before the public hearing)

MJ (Everett resident, name withheld for safety) responded to earlier statements about pro-choice protests outside Planned Parenthood; described her group’s peaceful pro-life presence and alleged harassment by pro-choice protesters; provided video evidence. She claimed their group abides by the FACE Act and does not block entry.

A speaker praised Angel of the Winds Arena and proposed bringing a women’s pro hockey team to Everett.

Angela Monroe (Lake Stephens) read a letter from Rod Ambergie (Everett) who described experiencing aggressive behavior from “I Stand with Planned” protesters while pro-life advocates were praying; said the aggressive behavior undermined pro-choice cause.

Daryl (Everett Transit bus driver) spoke against the transit consolidation citing unnecessary sales tax increase, loss of local service, and efficiency of Everett Transit compared to Community Transit.

Several Spanish-speaking residents (Maria, Sonia, Silvia, Betty Pérez, Liliana) spoke via interpretation; they expressed concerns about safety on buses, long wait times, and the need for better service; many supported the integration with Community Transit to improve security and frequency.

Public Hearing on Transit Annexation (Interlocal Agreement with Community Transit)

Supporters:

Zach Shoemaker (Bremerton) supported better connections; said he would pay higher sales tax for region-wide service.
Caleb Short (Linwood) supported merger for reliable service and future light rail connections.
Brent Terry (Everett District 2) supported merger; said city has built something valuable and should let it become part of something bigger; quoted “give them wings.”
Sizus Wolf (Seattle) supported merger efficiency; noted a tax increase would happen either way.
Ray Stephenson (Everett, Economic Alliance Snohomish County) supported merger to improve transportation for recruiting businesses and supporting Naval Station.
Marita Lauriano (Everett) supported merger but raised concerns about paratransit eligibility changes (los of senior-only eligibility) and route dropping.
Brock Howell (District 1, Snohomish County Transportation Coalition) supported merger citing 50% service increase by 2031, 15-minute frequency, and new Zip shuttle for paratransit.
John Lehman (Lake Stephens, carpenters union) supported merger for better worker access.
Eric Ashley Vinka (Shoreline, Sound Transit) expressed Sound Transit’s full support, noting importance for light rail grant applications.
Patrick (Seattle) supported consolidation; argued ILA guarantees paratransit protections and in-house service.
Juan Garcia (Everett, carpenters union) supported merger for apprentice access.
Nathaniel Reyes (District 2) supported consolidation for better connections; shared personal experience with Everett Transit.
Bruce Englehart (Marysville) supported merger; said separate systems hinder connections.
Gina Jameson (Everett) supported merger; praised Community Transit’s Dart service for her mother-in-law.
Seth (Everett) supported merger but urged resolution of seniority concerns.

Opponents:

Brian Pajoli (Everett) opposed ILA; cited poor security on Community Transit, false urgency, and prefer to maintain Everett Transit’s service quality.
Don Shagam (Lake Stephens, retired) delivered a eulogy for Everett Transit’s 133-year history; mourned loss of community resource without a vote.
Carrie Mack (Marysville, Everett Transit driver) spoke against merger; said operator concerns ignored by mayor; raised fears about loss of seniority, working conditions, and paratransit quality.
Shanine Chapman (District 1) opposed merger; argued residents deserve a vote; questioned tax burden, future senior paratransit eligibility, loss of special event shuttles, and lack of transparency; asked council to hear from Everett Transit leadership.
Steve Oce (Everett) opposed merger; cited paratransit eligibility changes, Everett Transit’s responsiveness (e.g., Naval Station, Oso), and potential negative impact on Broadway businesses.
Maritza Lauriano (Everett) opposed merger; said service would drop immediately due to eligibility changes and route dropping; noted co-workers left Community Transit and would not return.
Deborath Papentine (Marysville, former Everett Transit and Community Transit employee) said it’s not a merger but a takeover; raised many unresolved employee protection questions.
Emma Calvert (District 2, third-generation city employee) opposed rushed merger; said many unanswered questions.
Keith Jacobson (District 3, Everett Transit driver) opposed merger; argued no crisis, residents should vote; criticized changed rules that removed voter approval for such a large tax increase.
Tom Gibbons (unincorporated Snohomish, retired Everett Transit) opposed merger; urged council to secure seniority protections before voting; said drivers believe their seniority will not be honored.
Daniel Dotson (Everett) opposed; proposed alternative using light buses in neighborhoods and commuter trip reduction programs.
Kevin Rush (Everett) urged maintaining Everett Transit for local affordable travel.
Peter Stevens (Everett, business owner) urged slowing down and putting decision to voters; concerned about Broadway parking loss.

Discussion Items

Mayor’s Comments: Announced three board appointments (unanimously confirmed): Kyle Ward and Ryan Swannick to Everett Housing Authority; Shannon Votto to Historic Commission. Provided update on AI permitting tool for ADUs: 95% of ADU applications need extra submittals; current median 250 days with 4 revision cycles; goal to cut to 90 days. Noted Monte Cristo Awards celebration on October 29.

Administrative Report: Bob Leonard clarified that the proposed Swift Gold Line (bus rapid transit from Broadway to Marysville) is a separate project from the merger; public should engage on that.

City Attorney: No comments.

Staff Presentation: Bob Leonard explained urgency: paratransit riders protected in ILA; structural deficits projected in early 2030s; need to prepare for light rail; sales tax increase ultimately required; acting now allows orderly transition and maximizes federal grant odds.

Council Questions on Presentation: Council discussed why decision not placed on ballot; Mayor Franklin said complex decisions are suited for elected representatives, not populist vote. Staff noted state law gave this tool to city council.

Public Hearing: Held with 32 speakers; hearing closed unanimously.

Council Comments and Questions After Hearing: Extensive discussion on employee protections (seniority, benefits, union merger). Candy Bartlett (city labor negotiator) said seniority protected until new contract; if impasse, interest arbitration protects employees; non-union employees also protected; city offering generous transfer payment and wellness fair. Mayor emphasized paratransit eligibility change: current senior benefit will end for new future users; only current 23 riders grandfathered. CT CEO Rick Ilgelfritz and COO Roland Behe explained service planning process: year-long process in 2027 with multiple public rounds; 50% service increase by 2031 based on demand data; microtransit and smaller vehicles considered; assured Everett would be centerpiece and would see return on investment. Concerns about empty buses addressed: frequency attracts ridership; but smaller buses are being studied. Council member Weir highlighted need for concrete seniority protection and preservation of local event shuttle flexibility. Council member Bader raised seniority and union uncertainty.

Councilmember Closing Statements: Many council members thanked public; noted seniority and local flexibility as top concerns.

Key Outcomes

Consent Items: All eight items passed unanimously.

Mayor’s Appointments: Unanimously confirmed.

Political South Precinct Design (CB 2610-53): Firs reading adopted; third and final reading scheduled for November 18,2026.

Transit Annexation (CB 2610-52): Public hearing closed; second reading was on the agenda; no vote on the ILA was taken at this meeting; the item will proceed to third and final reading on November 4,2026. The discussion indicatd council remains divided with many concerns about seniority, paratransit eligibility, and voter enfranchisement.

Next Steps: City to continue employee engagement; ATU international to facilitate union discussions; CT to begin service planning in 2027 if annexation is approved.

Meeting Transcript