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Name of Observer: Jane Ficalora
Observed Meeting: Langley City Council Date of Meeting: 3/20/2023 Members present: Harolynne Bobis, Rhonda Salerno, Thomas Gill, Craig Cyr, Gail Fleming Members absent: none Others present (staff, media, public): Mayor: Scott Chaplin, Interim Clerk: Darlene Baldwin, Planning Director: Meredith Penny, Director of Public Works: Randi Perry, Finance Director: Meredith Penny, Chief of Police: Tavier Wasser, Langley Chamber of Commerce Executive Director: Inge Morascini, and members of Dismantling Systemic Racism Commission There were also members of public on zoom - they are not shown unless they make a comment. Summarize the main issues discussed at the meeting: • Executive Director for Chamber of Commerce presented update. There was good news about six new businesses opened in the city and that there are calls everyday from other businesses interested the Langley area for their shops. Also, the chamber has recently incorporated a 501c3 under an exisiting 501c 6. • New Business item regarding empty store fronts was presented by council member Cyr. Council member Salerno questioned if it was in the jurisdiction of the council to take action without further community input. It was decided to do more research on the matter. • Council member Gill brought up a Discussion Item regarding Commission minutes. A motion was made and passed to add awareness of Commission minutes to the Consent Agenda. • Community Planning Director asked council for approval to structure one year contract for a new Hearing Examiner. Two council members volunteered to help with next step in the hiring process. A second request was made for 1st and 2nd reading and implementation on Housing Action Plan to be in one meeting because of upcoming grant deadline. A motion was passed to approve request. • Public Works Director Perry reported that the Whale Bell has been repaired and some work was needed for City Hall generator and a failure at the water pumphouse. The Puget Sound General Nutrient Permit Grant Agreement was signed. Safe Streets for All (SS4A) Grant funds have been matched. A motion was made and approved of funds to contract for reservoir cleaning. • Members from Dismantling Systematic Racisim Commission made some comments during Chief Wasser's report time. There was a desire to learn more about process for community participation in police and state legislators communications. • Mayor Chaplin called executive session with legal counsel about current or potential litigation RCW 42.30.110(1)(i) Council member Fleming mentioned she had other obligations and would not be in attendance. Do you recommend local League action or study on any of these issues? NO Was the meeting conducted in an open, business-like, and civil manner? Yes – All in attendance were polite and the motions were discussed and voted on in an orderly manner. Consider the following questions and respond if relevant. FEATURE EVALUATED COMMENTS Was the agenda made available prior to and at the meeting? Yes - https://cms4files1.revize.com/langleywashington/2023%2003%2020%20Council%20Packet.pdf Did members adhere to the provided agenda? Yes Were any non-agenda items discussed? No Was there adequate discussion of issues? Yes Were any “Executive Sessions” called? Yes -it was the last agenda item Was there adequate opportunity for public input? Yes Was background material available to the public? Yes – see council packet linked above Did any member recuse themselves during the meeting? Yes For what reason? The mayor left the meeting for about 15 minutes after discussion of Commision Minutes to speak with legal counsel regarding exec session matter. List any other concerns or observations: Observer E-mail: jrfic@yahoo.com Date submitted: 3/22/23
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Name of Observer: Jane Ficalora
Observed Meeting: Langley City Council Date of Meeting: 3/6/2023 Members present: Harolynne Bobis, Rhonda Salerno, Thomas Gill, Craig Cyr, Gail Fleming Members absent: none Others present (staff, media, public): Mayor: Scott Chaplin, Interim Clerk: Darlene Baldwin, Planning Director: Meredith Penny, Director of Public Works Randi Perry, Chief of Police: Tavier Wasser, Chair Finance & Personnel Legislative Commission: Chris Carlson There were also members of public on zoom - they are not shown unless they make a comment. Summarize the main issues discussed at the meeting: • Finance & Personnel Legislative Commission Chair Chris Carlson provided semi-annual update on commission work and proposed plan for work priorities for 2023. The Chair also presented 2nd reading of City Administrator/Clerk Position. The hiring was discussed at length on details of the position. A member of the public commented via zoom that it would be better to have a few positions created versus this one hire and would be best to table the hiring until new Finance Director could provide input. The Chair also provided recommendations for Mayor and City Council compensation changes. • Mayor Chaplin brought up new business item regarding Holidays of Note. He mentioned he had opened meeting showing a picture of some of the women founders of Langley in honor of Women's History Month. The Dismantling Systemic Racism Commission had sent a memo with suggestions of certain holidays and actions that could be enacted by the city (p.77 of link provided to meeting agenda). A speaker for Dismantling Systemic Racism Commission was present via zoom and mentioned the memo was the minimum to be done. The council discussed the issue more and came up with the idea of starting a taskforce for future action. • Council members Cyr and Fleming said they enjoyed attending tribal gathering ceremony. Council member Selerno mentioned that because of problem with arrival of totem pole at the Langley gathering there is a second date scheduled for Lummi House of Tears Carvers ceremony with totem pole on 3/11 at Callen's restaurant in Coupeville. • Council member Cyr announced Island Transit Board of Directors approval of implementation of Zero Emissions Transition Plan https://irp.cdnwebsite.com/ac3d33af/files/uploaded/Press%20Release_Zero%20Emissions%20Transition_030623.pdf • Council member Fleming reported on attending Planning Advisory Board meeting and that there is progress being made with affordable housing in Langley Do you recommend local League action or study on any of these issues? NO Was the meeting conducted in an open, business-like, and civil manner? Yes – All in attendance were polite and the motions were discussed and voted on in an orderly manner. Consider the following questions and respond if relevant. FEATURE EVALUATED COMMENTS Was the agenda made available prior to and at the meeting? Yes - https://cms4files1.revize.com/langleywashington/Final%20Draft%202023%2003%2006%20Council%20Packet.pdf Did members adhere to the provided agenda? Yes Were any non-agendaitems discussed? No Was there adequate discussion of issues? Yes Were any “Executive Sessions” called? No Was there adequate opportunity for public input? Yes Was background material available to the public? Yes – see council packet linked above. Did any member recuse themselves during the meeting? No For what reason? n/a List any other concerns or observations: Observer E-mail: jrfic@yahoo.com Date submitted: 3/9/23 Name of Observer: Jane Ficalora
Observed Meeting: Langley City Council Date of Meeting: 2/21/2023 Members present: Rhonda Salerno, Thomas Gill, Craig Cyr, Gail Fleming Members absent: Harolynne Bobis Others present (staff, media, public): Mayor: Scott Chaplin, Planning Director: Meredith Penny, Director of Public Works: Randi Perry, Chief of Police: Tavier Wasser, Finance Director: Wanda Grone, Finance & Personnel Legislative Commission Chair, Retiring and newly appointed Langley Library managers, Members of volunteers for BrookHaven Creek project and Faucet Forest Project There were also members of public on zoom - they are not shown unless they make a comment. Summarize the main issues discussed at the meeting: • Ordinance for Structure on City Administrator/Clerk Position, 2nd Reading. Concerns over structure of ordinance and lack of legal language of ordinance were voiced. Motion was tabled. • Slide show was presented in honor of retiring library manager. Mayor declared 2/22 as now Vicky Welfare Day because of her many years of service. • Motion carried to add a council letter of support to BrookHaven grant request. • Faucet Forest Trail requested council support for letter to county commissioners. • Public Works Director presented details on Puget Sound Nutrient Reduction Grant Agreement • Council member Salerno brought up topic of Commissions Update and Review. The subject was discussed, and it was agreed to continue discussion on topic at later date. • Community Planning Director proposed addressing gaps in code to mixed use ordinance and auto-detailing ordinance. • Public Works Director did short summary of the many projects of that department: streetlights, drinking water leak, solar panels grant for city hall, needing new company for engineering contract and more. • Chief of Police updated some on the litigation meetings attended and new hire process for that department. • Council member Salerno spoke of arrival next Monday of totem pole by House of Tears to advocate protection of lands from copper mining and is hoping for a warm Langley welcome for the visiting tribe. Do you recommend local League action or study on any of these issues? NO Was the meeting conducted in an open, business-like, and civil manner? Yes – All in attendance were polite and the motions were discussed and voted on in an orderly manner. Consider the following questions and respond if relevant: FEATURE EVALUATED COMMENTS Was the agenda made available prior to and at the meeting? Yes - https://cms4files1.revize.com/langleywashington/2023%2002%2021%20Council%20Packet_Redacte.pdf Did members adhere to the provided agenda? Yes Were any non-agenda items discussed? No Was there adequate discussion of issues? Yes Were any “Executive Sessions” called? No Was there adequate opportunity for public input? Yes Was background material available to the public? Yes – see council packet linked above. Did any member recuse themselves during the meeting? For what reason? No List any other concerns or observations: Observer E-mail: jrfic@yahoo.com Date submitted: 2/23/23 Name of Observer: Jane Ficalora
Observed Meeting: Langley City Council Date of Meeting: 2/6/2023 Members present: Harolynne Bobis, Rhonda Salerno, Thomas Gill, Craig Cyr, Gail Fleming Members absent: none Others present (staff, media, public): Mayor: Scott Chaplin, Planning Director: Meredith Penny, Director of Public Works: Randi Perry, Chief of Police: Tavier Wasser, Finance Director: Wanda Grone, Odgen Murphy Wallace lawyers, Langley Historic Preservation Chair, Langley Library Manager, Public Works Advisory Commission Chair, WSU Extension Island County Interim Director, Finance & Personnel Legislative Commission Chair, Economic Development Council Representatives, Deputy Director of Sno-Isle Libraries Members of public made comments on grants for creek in city of Langley and Whidbey Camano Land Trust grant for forest of Faucet Farm There were also members of public on zoom - they are not shown unless they make a comment. Summarize the main issues discussed at the meeting: • Presentation from Historic Preservation Commission on vacancy for the 7-member commission, the goals of the commission and that May is historic preservation month and the outreach projects that month. • Projects being done by Public Works Advisory Commission were presented by Chair Dominique Emerson • 2023 EPA Solid Waste Infrastructure Recycling Grant plans presented by WSU Extension Island County director. • Ordinance for Structure of City Administrator/Clerk Position outlined by Finance & Personnel Legislative Commission Chair Chris Carlson and passed by a 4 in favor vote of council members. • Resolution regarding Whidbey Camano Land Trust grant presented, and owners of the Faucet Farm property were there to say they were in favor of the grant. The resolution passed unanimously. • Introduction to Langley's potential participation in Regional Comprehensive Economic Developemnt Strategy Project was discussed. Presentation was made by Executive Director Economic Development Council Sharon Sappington and Jennifer Noveck, Ph. D. Allocation of funds passed unanimously. • Council reviewed and voted to approve Financial Policy Development-credit card policy, procedures and credit card use agreement presented by Finance Director Wanda Grone. • Library Building improvements process was updated by Director of Public works and the Deputy Director of Sno-Isle Libraries was present in person to thank the council with help and direction and to say the process is going well. Do you recommend local League action or study on any of these issues? NO Was the meeting conducted in an open, business-like, and civil manner? Yes – All in attendance were polite and the motions were discussed and voted on in an orderly manner. Consider the following questions and respond if relevant. FEATURE EVALUATED COMMENTS Was the agenda made available prior to and at the meeting? Yes - https://cms4files1.revize.com/langleywashington/Updated%202023%2002%2006%20Council%20Packet.pdf Did members adhere to the provided agenda? Yes Were any non-agenda items discussed? Yes - at closing the mayor asked members for ideas on how the meeting ran. Was there adequate discussion of issues? Yes Were any “Executive Sessions” called? No Was there adequate opportunity for public input? Yes Was background material available to the public? Yes – see council packet linked above. Did any member recuse themselves during the meeting? No For what reason? n/a List any other concerns or observations: Observer E-mail: jrfic@yahoo.com Date submitted: 2/9/23 Name of Observer: Jane Ficalora
Observed Meeting: Langley City Council Date of Meeting: 1/17/2023 Members present: Harolynne Bobis, Rhonda Salerno, Thomas Gill, Craig Cyr, Gail Fleming Members absent: none Others present (staff, media, public): Mayor: Scott Chaplin, Planning Director: Meredith Penny, Director of Public Works: Randi Perry, Chief of Police: Tavier Wasser, Finance Director: Wanda Grone There were also members of public on zoom - they are not shown unless they make a comment. Summarize the main issues discussed at the meeting: Two public comments: one by newly elected commissioner for Port of South Whidbey District 2. Some concern was voiced about conflict of interest for this election because the newly elected commissioner is also Chair for Planning Advisory Board. A second citizen spoke on work to maintain Brook Haven Creek behind the visitor center. Mayor Chaplin spoke of his attendance of MLK rally in Seattle and that workshops there were helpful. Among them was information on King Co. Equality and Social Justice plan and work being done regarding reparations. Lawyers he met offered to provide information free of charge on how to work toward similar programs in Langley. Appointments of volunteers to Finance and Personnel Legislative Commission, Ethics Commission, Climate Crisis Action Committee, and Lodging Tax Advisory Commission were voted on and passed in consent agenda. Director Penny reported that Island County projects for American Rescue Plan Act - Affordable Housing short list is posted on Island County website and two city projects are on the list: the Langley Lofts and The Goose Community Foundation - https://www.islandcountywa.gov/arpa/Documents/Affordable%20Housing%20Shortlist.pdf Director Perry reported she has been asked to speak at University of Seattle's Women in Leadership Conference in February. Chief Wasser reported will be launching Officer Wellness application in February and because of his assistance in the program Langley officers will participate in BETA testing of project. Do you recommend local League action or study on any of these issues? NO Was the meeting conducted in an open, business-like, and civil manner? Yes – All in attendance were polite and the motions were discussed and voted on in an orderly manner. Consider the following questions and respond if relevant. FEATURE EVALUATED COMMENTS Was the agenda made available prior to and at the meeting? Yes - https://cms4files1.revize.com/langleywashington/2023%2001%2017%20Updated%20Council%20Packet.pdf Did members adhere to the provided agenda? Were any non-agenda items discussed? Yes, Yes - the mayor motioned for a meeting contract with city designated law office just before adjourning. Was there adequate discussion of issues? Yes Were any “Executive Sessions” called? Yes - two sessions for about 1/2 hour each. Was there adequate opportunity for public input? Yes Was background material available to the public? Yes – see council packet linked above. Did any member recuse themselves during the meeting? For what reason? Yes - council member Fleming left after executive sessions because of an appointment. List any other concerns or observations: Observer E-mail: jrfic@yahoo.com Date submitted: 1/21/23 Name of Observer: Jane Ficalora
Observed Meeting: Langley City Council Date of Meeting: 1/03/2023 Members present: Harolynne Bobis, Rhonda Salerno, Thomas Gill, Craig Cyr, Gail Fleming Members absent: Scott Chaplin and Darlene Baldwin Others present (staff, media, public): Mayor: Scott Chaplin attending virtually for approximately five minutes. Council member Cyr ran the meeting in the mayor's absence. Planning Director: Meredith Penny, Director of Public Works: Randi Perry, Chief of Police: Tavier Wasser There were also members of public on zoom - they are not shown unless they made a comment. Summarize the main issues discussed at the meeting: 2023 Work Plan Review - members did an overview of Work Plan from 2022 and reviewed the plan for 2023. Do you recommend local League action or study on any of these issues? NO Was the meeting conducted in an open, business-like, and civil manner? Yes – All in attendance were polite and the motions were discussed and voted on in an orderly manner. Consider the following questions and respond if relevant. FEATURE EVALUATED COMMENTS Was the agenda made available prior to and at the meeting? Yes - https://cms4files1.revize.com/langleywashington/2023-01-03%20Council%20Packet.pdf Did members adhere to the provided agenda? Were any non-agenda items discussed? Yes/No Was there adequate discussion of issues? Yes Were any “Executive Sessions” called? No Was there adequate opportunity for public input? Yes Was background material available to the public? Yes – the council packet linked above includes background material. Did any member recuse themselves during the meeting? For what reason? No List any other concerns or observations: None Observer E-mail: jrfic@yahoo.com Date submitted: 1/03/23 Name of Observer: Jane Ficalora
Observed Meeting: Langley City Council Date of Meeting: 12/19/2022 Members present: Harolynne Bobis, Rhonda Salerno, Thomas Gill, Craig Cyr, Gail Fleming Members absent: None Others present (staff, media, public): Mayor: Scott Chaplin, Planning Director: Meredith Penny, Director of Public Works Randi Perry, Chief of Police: Tavier Wasser, Interim Clerk: Darlene Baldwin There were in person comments made by the public and also members of the public on zoom – public members attending by zoom are not shown unless they are making a comment. Summarize the main issues discussed at the meeting: - New staff member, Finance Director to be Wanda Grone, was introduced and welcomed - Council member read proclamation supporting rights of Southern Resident Orcas - Changes to template for council meetings were passed - Contract with Police Guild was passed - 1st reading Ordinance for 2023 Budget was passed Do you recommend local League action or study on any of these issues? NO Was the meeting conducted in an open, business-like, and civil manner? Yes – All in attendance were polite. Items were discussed and motions were voted on in an orderly manner. Consider the following questions and respond if relevant. FEATURE EVALUATED COMMENTS Was the agenda made available prior to and at the meeting? Yes - https://cms4files1.revize.com/langleywashington/2022-12-19%20Councel%20Packet%20Binder1.pdf Did members adhere to the provided agenda? Yes Were any non-agenda items discussed? No Was there adequate discussion of issues? Yes Were any “Executive Sessions” called? No Was there adequate opportunity for public input? Yes Was background material available to the public? Yes – the council packet linked above includes background material. Did any member recuse themselves during the meeting? For what reason? No List any other concerns or observations: During this meeting budget discussions took up a large amount of time. There was a lot of discussion on items that needed the input of the newly hired finance director for guidance. Observer E-mail: jrfic@yahoo.com Date submitted: 12/21/22 Name of Observer: Jane Ficalora
Observed Meeting: Langley City Council Date of Meeting: 12/05/2022 Members present: Harolynne Bobis, Rhonda Salerno, Thomas Gill, Craig Cyr, Gail Fleming Members absent: None Others present (staff, media, public): Mayor: Scott Chaplin, Planning Director: Meredith Penny, Director of Public Works: Randi Perry, Chief of Police: Tavier Wasser, Interim Clerk: Darlene Baldwin. Valerie Smith from WA state Department of Commerce and planners of Multi-Family Infill Ordinance. The Sno-Isle Library Deputy Director, a Langley Ethics Committee member, and planners of Tourism Grant Application for an outdoor museum were present as well. There were members of the public on zoom - they are not shown unless they make a comment. Summarize the main issues discussed at the meeting: - An award from WA State Dept. of Commerce for Growth Management Act Service was presented to Multi-Family Infill plannners. - Ethics Training Committee member requested changes for hiring requirements - Mayor’s report - 2023 Budget refinements and Council options - Police Guild contract - Report on plans of Tourism Grant application for outdoor museum presented. - Council Member Cyr mentioned plans for transition of public buses to being all electrical vehicles. Do you recommend local League action or study on any of these issues? NO Was the meeting conducted in an open, business-like, and civil manner? Yes – All in attendance were polite and the motions were discussed, motioned and voted on in an orderly manner. Consider the following questions and respond if relevant: FEATURE EVALUATED COMMENTS Was the agenda made available prior to and at the meeting? Yes - https://cms4files1.revize.com/langleywashington/2022%2012%2005%20Council%20Packet.pdf Did members adhere to the provided agenda? Were any non-agenda items discussed? Yes, No Was there adequate discussion of issues? Yes Were any “Executive Sessions” called? Yes – 15 min Was there adequate opportunity for public input? Yes Was background material available to the public? Yes – the council packet linked above includes background material Did any member recuse themselves during the meeting? For what reason? Yes – Council Member Salerno had to leave about 15-minutes early because of travel plans. List any other concerns or observations: Observer E-mail: jrfic@yahoo.com Date submitted: 12/08/22 Name of Observer: Jane Ficalora
Observed Meeting: Langley City Council Date of Meeting: 11/21/2022 Members present: Harolynne Bobis, Rhonda Salerno, Thomas Gill, Craig Cyr, Gail Fleming Members absent: None Others present (staff, media, public): Mayor: Scott Chaplin Planning Director: Meredith Penny Director of Public Works Randi Perry Chief of Police: Tavier Wasser Interim Clerk: Darlene Baldwin There were employees from EDF renewables there to help explore potentials of moving Langley power source to solar and other public on zoom but no one in person at city hall that I saw from the cameras set up for public. Summarize the main issues discussed at the meeting: - EDF presented some of the pros and cons of changing to solar and some requirements - 3 calls for any comments on Transportation Improvement Plan, Capital Improvement Plan and Fees schedule for 2023 - 3 calls for any comment on Major Revenues and Preliminary 2023 Budget - Ordinance on Ad Valorem Levy Taxes for 2023 was voted on and passed - Transportation Improvement Plan was voted on and passed - Capital Improvement Plan was voted on and passed - Ordinance on Fees Schedule for 2023 budget was voted on and passed - Library Improvement project information council member was not at the meeting so members were directed to the packet for information - Updates to Public Comment Guidelines have 3 changes in red that can be found in packet - Grant was received for Tiny Home project so now submitting invoice, renovations to old restaurant and 2 locations for new condominiums and HUD project with Habitat - Update on work to move stored police property and evidence List any issues on the agenda relevant to any LWV state or local positions or programs: - Exploration of clean energy options - Home and HUD projects Do you recommend local League action or study on any of these issues? NO Was the meeting conducted in an open, business-like, and civil manner? Yes – All in attendance were polite and the motions were discussed and motioned and voted on orderly. Consider the following questions and respond if relevant. FEATURE EVALUATED COMMENTS Was the agenda made available prior to and at the meeting? Yes - https://www.langleywa.org/government/agendas.php Did members adhere to the provided agenda? Were any non-agenda items discussed? Yes No Was there adequate discussion of issues? Yes Were any “Executive Sessions” called? No Was there adequate opportunity for public input? Yes Was background material available to the public? Yes – the council packet linked above includes background material Did any member recuse themselves during the meeting? For what reason? No List any other concerns or observations: Date submitted: 11/23/22 Observer Corps Report Form
Name of Observer: Jane Ficalora Observed Meeting: Langley City Council Date of Meeting: 11/7/2022 Members present: Harolynne Bobis, Rhonda Salerno, Thomas Gill, Craig Cyr, Gail Fleming Members absent: None Others present (staff, media, public): Mayor: Scott Chaplin Planning Director: Meredith Penny Director of Public Works Randi Perry There were a couple of Planning Board volunteers attending to present updates and a local business owner was there in person. The mayor said there were 14 members of the public attending virtually. The only cameras the public were allowed to see were the members and staff present until the zoom administrator allowed a video of a volunteer or public member commenting. Summarize the main issues discussed at the meeting:
Do you recommend local League action or study on any of these issues? No Was the meeting conducted in an open, business-like, and civil manner? Yes – All in attendance were polite and the motions were discussed and motioned and voted on orderly. Consider the following questions and respond if relevant. FEATURE EVALUATED COMMENTS Was the agenda made available prior to and at the meeting? Yes - https://cms4files1.revize.com/langleywashington/2022%2011%2007%20Council%20Packet.pdf Did members adhere to the provided agenda? Were any non-agenda items discussed? Yes – at the beginning a few items were moved to the next meeting – then the agenda was followed. Was there adequate discussion of issues? Yes Were any “Executive Sessions” called? Yes – 25 mins were taking to discuss the new hire of a Finance Director Was there adequate opportunity for public input? Yes Was background material available to the public? Yes – the council packet linked above is very thorough Did any member recuse themselves during the meeting? For what reason? No List any other concerns or observations: Well run meeting. On the whole members helped keep each other on topic. There was some duplication and at time misunderstandings of the proceedings that had to be clarified a couple of times until all members understood. Then again, making sure all members are informed is part of a good meeting as well. Date submitted: 11/8/22 |
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