HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-09-22 Council Minutes
Edmonds City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting
September 22, 2026 Page 1
Edmonds City Council
Regular Meeting
Action Minutes
September 22, 2026
ELECTED OFFICIALS PRESENT
Mike Rosen, Mayor
Michelle Dotsch, Council President
Chris Eck, Councilmember Position 1
Will Chen, Councilmember Position 2
Erika Barnett, Councilmember Position 3
Vivian Olson, Councilmember Position 5
Susan Paine, Councilmember Position 6
Jenna Nand, Councilmember Position 7
STAFF PRESENT
Andy Rheaume, Public Works Director
Mike Clugston, Planning & Development
Director
Deb Powers, Planner
Duane Wakan, Senior Planner
Stephanie Lucash, City Administrator
Jeff Taraday, City Attorney
Luke Lonie, City Clerk
1. CALL TO ORDER / FLAG SALUTE
The Edmonds City Council meeting was called to order at 6:00 pm by Mayor Rosen
in the Council Chambers, 250 5th Avenue North, Edmonds, and virtually. The
meeting was opened with the flag salute.
2. LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT
Councilmember Paine read the City Council Land Acknowledgment.
3. ROLL CALL
City Clerk Lonie called roll.
4. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
COUNCILMEMBER ECK MOVED APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
5. PRESENTATION
1. Proclamation in support of National Lights Out Only One Reading Required – Mayor's
Office
Mayor Rosen proclaimed September 3rd through October 11th to be Peak
Migratory Bird Days in the City of Edmonds.
Edmonds City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting
September 22, 2026 Page 2
2. Mayor’s Finance Update – Mayor’s Office
Mayor Rosen provided an update on the City S&P rating, the recently completed
and upcoming audits, and the state of inflation.
6. AUDIENCE COMMENTS
The following community members provided audience comment:
1. Deborah Ashland – Provided input into the potential extension of the temporary
tree ordinance.
2. Georgina Armstrong – Commented on potential updates to the Climate
Protection Committee.
3. Scott Menzies – Spoke in support of a potential resolution.
4. Arlene Williams – Expressed concern with landslide risk in Edmonds and in
support of the Climate Protection Committee.
5. Pam Tower – Spoke in support of giving the Climate Protection Committee a
larger role in addressing future issues and in support for extending
7. RECEIVED FOR FILING
1. July 2026 Monthly Financial Report Second Reading
2. Written Public Comments Only One Reading Required
8. APPROVAL OF THE CONSENT AGENDA
COUNCILMEMBER PAINE MOVED TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA. MOTION
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. The agenda items approved are as follows:
1. Approval of City Council Meeting Minutes Only One Reading Required
2. Addendum No. 1 to the Market Special Event Agreement adding Winter Market
Dates Second Reading
3. Approval of payroll and benefit checks, direct deposit and wire payments. Only One
Reading Required
4. Approval to Terminate Construction Contract for the Olympic View Drive Pavement
Preservation Project Second Reading
5. Approval of claim checks and wire payments. Only One Reading Required
6. Proposed Interlocal Agreement regarding Lynnwood Neighborhood Center Second
Reading
Edmonds City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting
September 22, 2026 Page 3
9. COUNCIL BUSINESS
1. Ordinance Amending Authorized Employee Positions First Reading – Public Works
and Utilities
Andy Rheaume, Public Works Director, presented on the proposed updates to
authorized employee positions.
COUNCILMEMBER ECK MOVED TO SCHEDULE THE ORDINANCE AMENDING
AUTHORIZED EMPLOYEE POSITIONS ON THE CONSENT AGENDA FOR
APPROVAL AT THE OCTOBER 6, 2026 CITY COUNCIL MEETING.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. Code Update for Conversion or Addition of Dwelling Units in Existing Buildings (HB
1757) First Reading – Planning and Development Services
Mike Clugston, Planning & Development Director, and Duane Wakan, Senior
Planner, presented on the background of House Bill (HB) 1757 and the City’s
response to remain in compliance with state law.
Staff took questions from Council.
3. Planning Board Recommendation on Amendments to the Comprehensive Plan
Future Land Use and Zoning Map Designations for Four Lots in the Westgate Area
First Reading – Planning and Development Services
Mike Clugston, Planning & Development Director, presented the Planning
Board’s recommendation on updates to the Westgate Neighborhood Center
zoning map.
Staff took questions from Council.
Council took a break from 7:17 – 7:25 pm.
4. Interim Landmark Tree Ordinance and Tree Code Amendments Workplan, File No.
AMD2026-0001 Fifth Reading and Beyond – Planning and Development Services
Mike Clugston, Planning & Development Director, and Deb Powers, Planner,
presented the workplan for the tree code amendments as well as the ordinance
to extend the interim landmark tree ordinance.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT DOTSCH MOVED TO DIRECT THE CITY ATTORNEY TO
DRAFT AN ORDINANCE EXTENDING THE INTERIM LANDMARK TREE
Edmonds City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting
September 22, 2026 Page 4
ORDINANCE FOR SIX MONTHS TO EXPIRE ON APRIL 29, 2027.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
5. Adoption of Ordinance to Amend ECC Chapter 10 Second Reading – Mayor's Office
Mayor Rosen presented the ordinance to amend Edmonds City Code (ECC)
Chapter 10.
COUNCILMEMBER PAINE MOVED TO POSTPONE TO A DATE CERTAIN OF
DECEMBER 1.
COUNCILMEMBER BARNETT MOVED TO AMEND THE MAIN MOTION TO
ADD “FOR ADDITIONAL ELEMENTS THAT WERE NOT CONTAINED WITHIN
THE BASIC TITLE 10 FRAMEWORK, SUCH AS PARKS BOARD FORMATION
AND RETHINKING OR RESTRUCTURING AROUND CLIMATE AND RESILIENCY
BOARDS” FOLLOWING “DECEMBER 1”.
AMENDMENT FAILED WITH COUNCILMEMBERS BARNETT, DOTSCH, AND
OLSON IN FAVOR.
COUNCILMEMBER DOTSCH MOVED TO AMEND THE MAIN MOTION TO
REPLACE “DECEMBER 1” WITH “NOVEMBER 10”.
AMENDMENT CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
MAIN MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY AS AMENDED.
COUNCILMEMBER OLSON MOVED TO FORM A SUBCOMMITTEE AND THAT THE
COUNCIL EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT AND COUNCIL PRESIDENT WORK TO MAKE
THAT HAPPEN.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
10. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Councilmembers commented on various topics.
11. MAYOR'S COMMENTS
Mayor Rosen commented on BNSF’s plans to work on their tracks on Main Street and
the value of volunteers with the City.
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Regular Meeting
September 22, 2026 Page 5
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 8:33 pm.
Luke Lonie, City Clerk