Stanwood City Council Regular Meeting - October 22, 2026

The Stanwood City Council held a regular meeting on October 22, 2026, at 7:00 PM in the Stanwood-Camano School District Admin Building Board Room. The meeting covered a student presentation, public comments on Flock surveillance cameras, a finance report, approval of the consent agenda, a public hearing on the 2027 property tax levy (Ordinance 1569), a public hearing on the six-year Capital Improvement Plan (Resolution 2026-19), and adoption of the 2027 salary and benefits schedule (Resolution 2026-14). Councilmember Cowan was excused. All votes were unanimous except one abstention on the salary schedule.

Presentations

• Stanwood High School Update: Student Representative Maycie Tower reported on homecoming (850 tickets sold, $95,800 ASB budget), sports (football undefeated at 7-0), and upcoming events including a new mascot and vape assembly. She noted that the ASB budget originates from previous years and event proceeds rather than fundraisers.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Flock Cameras (First Round): Four community members spoke about the Flock automated license plate reader system. Tim Smith expressed support, arguing that misconduct elsewhere does not indicate local abuse and that he found no documentation of misuse via public records requests. Tom Warfield urged removal on privacy grounds, citing Fourth Amendment concerns and examples of abuse in other jurisdictions. Tonya Lopez detailed contract logistics (non-renewal deadline January 17, 2027) and warned of potential delays in camera removal based on other cities' experiences. Mary Ellen Wood called for a ban on all cloud-based AI mass surveillance, arguing alternatives like Axon, Motorola, and Verkada pose similar risks. She referenced a Senate committee investigation and security breaches.
• Public Closing Comments: Tim Smith rebutted earlier opposition, stating that a federal court decision found Flock not a Fourth Amendment violation, that local officers cannot initiate searches (only two administrative staff can), and that data is deleted after 21 days per state law. Another speaker, Carl, made comments unrelated to Flock about COVID-19 vaccine alleged dangers.

Discussion Items

• Finance Report – Q3 2026: Finance Director David Hammond presented the quarterly report. Councilmember Bergman asked about underspent capital project funds; Hammond explained that unspent money stays in its fund and may need reappropriation if projects are not completed by biennium end. He noted that capital project timing is challenging and that the city is in a strong financial position.
• Public Hearing – Ordinance 1569 (2027 Property Tax Levy): Hammond detailed the economic outlook (GDP growth ~2%, inflation, rising interest rates), revenue sources (property tax 28%, utility tax 21%, sales tax 36%), and a 1% levy increase recommendation. The proposed 2027 levy is $2,474,000 (up from $2,282,000) including new construction value of $124 million. A typical homeowner would pay approximately $12 more per year (from $668 to $680). Council discussed public safety funding, the need to enhance services, and the importance of conservative budgeting. Councilmember Rob praised the approach of incremental increases. Councilmember Cowan stressed the need for a sustainable funding plan for public safety before committing recurring expenditures.
• Public Hearing – Resolution 2026-19 (Capital Improvement Plan 2027-2032): City Engineer Alan presented the six-year CIP, highlighting major projects: stormwater management, pedestrian network completions, water pipe replacements, and the first phase of the wastewater treatment plant upgrade (biosolids building and grit classifier). The plan assumes debt financing for the brick road project (estimated $3.5 million) and other Twin City Mile projects. Councilmember Bergman asked about grant opportunities and debt strategy; Hammond noted the city has not borrowed for street projects recently, except a county loan. Councilmember Rob emphasized that community input (e.g., from PTAC) is reflected in the plan.
• New Business – Resolution 2026-14 (2027 Salary and Benefits Schedule): Human Resources presented a 3.8% cost-of-living adjustment (based on CPI-W) for represented and non-represented employees, a 2.3% range alignment for finance and community development directors, and a 10% increase in health insurance premiums (with an 80/20 city/employee split). The total budget impact is $232,000 in wages and $197,000 in benefits. Councilmember Shepherd initially abstained but later clarified; the resolution passed 5-0-1 (Shepherd abstained).

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda Approved: All four items (vouchers, payroll, meeting minutes, contract with Konnerup for Marine Drive Sidewalk) were approved unanimously.
• Ordinance 1569 – First Reading Approved: The first reading of the 2027 property tax levy with a 1% increase passed unanimously (6-0, with one member excused). The second reading and final adoption will occur at a later meeting.
• Resolution 2026-19 – First Reading Approved: The six-year Capital Improvement Plan (2027-2032) was approved on first reading unanimously (6-0). Final adoption will come at a subsequent meeting.
• Resolution 2026-14 – Adopted: The 2027 salary and benefits schedule was adopted by a vote of 5-0-1 (Councilmember Shepherd abstained).
• Next Steps: The council will continue discussions on public safety enhancements, including a proposed study to bring back options and sustainable funding recommendations. The city administrator noted the October 2026 work plan includes a public safety study. The non-renewal deadline for the Flock contract was identified as January 17, 2027.

Upcoming Meetings

• November 12, 2026, at 7:00 PM (City Council Meeting)
• November 23, 2026, at 7:00 PM (City Council Meeting)