Stanwood City Council Regular Meeting - November 12, 2026

The Stanwood City Council met on November 12, 2026, at 7:00 PM. Councilmember Cowan was excused. The meeting featured significant public testimony on two primary topics—youth sports field improvements and the Flock automated license plate reader (ALPR) contract—alongside the adoption of the capital improvement plan, property tax levy, hazard mitigation plan annex, and the first reading of the 2027-2028 biennial budget.

Consent Calendar

• Approved vouchers and payroll.
• Approved City Council meeting minutes from October 22, 2026.
• Approved City Council workshop minutes from October 22, 2026.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Youth Sports Field Improvements: Multiple speakers, including Mark Morgenstern (Little League president), Jay Bonifield (Stanwood Youth Lacrosse president), Tyler Lewis (Junior Athletic Association president), Lisa Roosevelt (coach and PTAC member), and Taylor Clemple (coach), expressed strong support for accelerating improvements at Heritage Park. They described unsafe conditions due to darkness and mud, inequitable access compared to other cities, and requested the city prioritize lit turf fields. They offered to form a committee and help identify funding.
• Flock ALPR System: Several community members (Mariella, Tom, Robin Carmichael) spoke in opposition to renewing the city's contract with Flock Safety. They cited high false-positive rates (a 71% misread rate in a Roseville, CA audit), potential for data misuse, and concerns over the company's credibility. In contrasting testimony, Jim Schmidt questioned the applicability of out-of-state problems to Stanwood and argued that local safeguards (verified hits, restricted access) could make the system acceptable.
• West End Restrooms: Carrie Richardson requested the Council maintain funding for portable restrooms for special events in the West End.

Discussion Items

• Property Tax Levy (Ordinance 1569): The Council adopted the second reading, levying a 1% increase on the city's portion of property taxes. Director Hammond confirmed the increase is roughly $0.52 per month for a typical residence.
• Capital Improvement Plan (Resolution 2026-19): The six-year CIP for 2027-2032 was adopted. It includes a $128 million total plan with an additional $800,000 added for the police station. Director Hammond explained that the plan prioritizes turfing fields over adding lighting based on community feedback.
• Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex (Resolution 2026-18): The plan was adopted. Councilmembers discussed the priority rankings of seismic and cybersecurity risks. The City Attorney clarified that language regarding relocating city hall from the floodplain is aspirational and not a binding policy commitment.
• Biennial Budget (Ordinance 1571, First Reading): A public hearing was held. Director Hammond presented a conservative budget for 2027-2028 ($107 million total) given expected revenue slowdowns. It reserves $400,000 for public safety. Public comment reiterated urgent requests for accelerated investment in youth sports fields.

Key Outcomes

• Ordinance 1569 (Property Tax): Adopted unanimously. The 1% levy increase will take effect in 2027.
• Resolution 2026-19 (CIP): Adopted unanimously. The 2027-2032 Capital Improvement Plan is approved.
• Resolution 2026-18 (HMP): Adopted unanimously. Stanwood's hazard mitigation plan annex is approved.
• Ordinance 1571 (Budget): First reading approved unanimously. The public hearing remains open.
• Youth Sports Fields: City Administrator Sean Smith suggested the CIP could be amended to accelerate funding for turf and lights at Heritage Park, signaling strong Council support for the community's requests.
• Flock Contract: The Council deferred discussion on the contract renewal to a future meeting in December.