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Name of Observer: Jane Ficalora
Observed Meeting: Langley City Council Date of Meeting: 8/21/2023 Members present: Harolynne Bobis, Rhonda Salerno, Thomas Gill, Craig Cyr, Gail Fleming Members absent: none Others present (staff, media, public): Mayor: Scott Chaplin, Interim Archives and Records Manager: Kristen Abraham, City Administrator: Mark Rentfrow, Chief of Police: Tavier Wasser, Executive Director Langley Chamber of Commerce Inge Morascini and members of the public. 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: • City Administrator Mark Rentfrow highlighted some activities he has engaged in during his first weeks as administrator. He has been meeting members of community, attending webinars on accessing grants, and enrolled in an Island County Economic Development Council seven-month leadership program. • Chief Wasser announced modernization award the police department received, touted good relationship department had all summer long with community and spoke on Langley's engagement with county on Emergency Management Multijurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan. Wasser also spoke on recently hosting a West African delegation that included 40 children and 4 mentors making a video on domestic abuse and assault. He gave the children a short tour of City Hall and spoke briefly on the city history and government. • Records manager Abraham, Mayor Chaplin and Council member Cyr all spoke about grants Langley received for work in archiving, solar power, and local projects. • Council observed a moment of silence at the beginning of meeting in honor of passing of the whale Tokitae. Later in the meeting council members mentioned their sadness over the passing of Tokitae. Council member Cyr mentioned there had been a remembrance ceremony in Langley for Tokitae. He continued on t0 say how Langley seems to be the city that community goes to for connection time and again to manage loss. List any issues on the agenda relevant to any LWV state or local positions or programs: (League positions can be found here. Economic & Social Justice Shorelines, Wetlands and Land Use Do you recommend local League action or study on any of these issues? No If ‘yes’ what action do you recommend? 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: Was the agenda made available prior to and at the meeting? Yes Did members adhere to the provided agenda? Members adhered to 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 Did any member recuse themselves during the meeting? No If yes, for what reason? List any other concerns or observations: Observer E-mail: jrfic@yahoo.com Date submitted: 8/23/2023
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Name of Observer: Jane Ficalora
Observed Meeting: Langley City Council Date of Meeting: 8/7/2023 Members present: Rhonda Salerno, Thomas Gill, Craig Cyr, Gail Fleming Members absent: Harolynne Bobis Others present (staff, media, public): Mayor: Scott Chaplin, Temporary Clerk: Christian Abraham, City Administrator: Mark Rentfrom, Planning Director: Meredith Penny, Director of Public Works: Randi Perry, Finance Director: Wanda Grone, Chief of Police: Tavier Wasser (arrived late), Representatives of City Commissions 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: • Mayor Scott Chaplin reported on attending a meeting in Everett earlier in the day by the invitation of Representative Rick Larsen. Attending as well were five other congressmen and all the County Commissioners. The mayor learned federal funding for infrastructure projects will be available in near future and suggested council prepare to take advantage of that opportunity. • New City Administrator Mark Rentfrom presented a power point to introduce himself and provide some information on his work background. • Both Mayor Scott Chaplin and Finance Director Wanda Grone spoke on budget planning matters. Director Grone showed council updates she suggested to the city's Budget Mission Statement and Fiscal Goals document. Mayor Chaplin asked for council to schedule two workshops for budget process overview. • Planning Director Penny came prepared to lead the council through an Island County Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy's (CEDS) outreach exercise. The county is looking for local input and has requested a Strength, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) analysis be completed. CEDS is collecting SWOT analyses feedback from industries and jurisdictions within Island County. Director Penny has completed the SWOT exercise with commissions and was prepared to complete the analysis with the council or to have council review the commissions' analyses. Council members were not prepared to do the exercise at the time of the meeting. Council planned to complete the analysis at the next Wednesday meeting. They tentatively decided to provide both the commissions' completed exercises with council comments, aswell as their own, to CEDS. List any issues on the agenda relevant to any LWV state or local positions or programs: (League positions can be found here. Fair & Adequate Revenue Shorelines, Wetlands and Land Use Do you recommend local League action or study on any of these issues? No If ‘yes’ what action do you recommend? 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: Was the agenda made available prior to and at the meeting? Yes Did members adhere to the provided agenda? Members adhered to amended agenda. 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 Did any member recuse themselves during the meeting? No If yes, for what reason? List any other concerns or observations: Observer E-mail: jrfic@yahoo.com Date submitted: 7/18/2023 TName of Observer: Jane Ficalora
Observed Meeting: Langley City Council Date of Meeting: 7/17/2023 Members present: Rhonda Salerno, Thomas Gill, Craig Cyr, Gail Fleming Members absent: Harolynne Bobis Others present (staff, media, public): Mayor: Scott Chaplin, Temporary Clerk: Christian Abraham, Planning Director: Meredith Penny, Director of Public Works: Randi Perry, Finance Director: Wanda Gone, Chief of Police: Tavier Wasser, Representatives of Snohomish Tribe of Indians, Jennifer Noveck of Economic Development Council for Island County, and public participants. 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: • City Hall welcomed representatives of the Snohomish Tribe of Indians. Council motion and accepted proclamation of this week being "Snohomish Tribal Canoe Week" in Langley. Representatives of the tribe gifted their flag to city and spoke on bringing back some traditions and having more community connections in the future. • During public comment period one citizen asking if missing funds mentioned in a past meeting had been found and if past agenda items had been changed online. Other comments included an expression of concern regarding new housing proposal by treatment plant, and commendations to council for welcoming Snohomish tribe. • Jennifer Noveck was present to update council on comprehensive development economic strategy (CEDS). A link to a survey has been put on homepage of the Langley city website and input is accepted until August first. • Planning Director Penny mentioned monies for Comprehensive Plan have been awarded by WA State Dept of Commerce. In order to receive funding the planning department must submit update grant application materials by September 30th. • Police Chief Wasser mentioned a new Tesla patrol car has been purchased and the department hopes to have it labeled in time to attend National Night Out in Oak Harbor on the first Tuesday in August. https://natw.org/ • Three members of council talked about the great time they had at the Pride Parade they had attended. It was colorful, fun and an important expression of human rights. List any issues on the agenda relevant to any LWV state or local positions or programs: (League positions can be found here. Economic & Social Justice Fair & Adequate Revenue Shorelines, Wetlands and Land Use Do you recommend local League action or study on any of these issues? No If ‘yes’ what action do you recommend? 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: Was the agenda made available prior to and at the meeting? Yes: https://cms4files1.revize.com/langleywashington/2023-07- 17%20City%20Council%20Agenda%20Packet%20w%20redactions.pdf Did members adhere to the provided agenda? Members adhered to amended agenda 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 link above Did any member recuse themselves during the meeting? No If yes, for what reason? List any other concerns or observations: Observer E-mail: jrfic@yahoo.com Date submitted: 7/18/2023 Name of Observer: Jane Ficalora
Observed Meeting: Langley City Council Date of Meeting: 6/20/2023 Members present: Harolynne Bobis, Rhonda Salerno, Thomas Gill, Craig Cyr, Gail Fleming Members absent: none Others present (staff, media, public): Mayor: Scott Chaplin, Temporary Clerk: Christian Abraham, Planning Director: Meredith Penny, Director of Public Works: Randi Perry, Main St Assoc Executive Director: Nicole Johnson, and public participants 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: • Jill Edwards, who is spearheading pride parade on July 8, updated council on details of the event. State Senator Marko Liias is to be Grand Marshall of the parade. There will be music, food and booths after the parade with Senator Liias and others speaking. Facebook site is South Whidbey Pride for more information. • Mayor Chaplin informed council that boxes needing to be moved for library renovation continue to be sorted and asked for approval of $200/month storage rent at Langley Methodist Church. Request was approved. • Planning Director Penny shared power point on City of Langley Housing Action Plan and asked for Hearing and passage of Resolution and Ordinances pertaining to HAP and adoption of new definitions for Langley Municipal Code - regarding land use categories and emergency housing among others - to be done at same time. The request was made to meet grant deadline and was approved. • Planning Director Penny also requested change in fee schedule for commercial solar array permitting because of discrepancy between what county and city charge. The request was approved. List any issues on the agenda relevant to any LWV state or local positions or programs: (League positions can be found here. Economic & Social Justice Fair & Adequate Revenue Energy Do you recommend local League action or study on any of these issues? No If ‘yes’ what action do you recommend? 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: Was the agenda made available prior to and at the meeting? Yes - https://cms4files1.revize.com/langleywashington/2023-06-20%20COUNCIL%20PACKET.pdf Did members adhere to the provided agenda? Members adhered to amended agenda. Were any non-agenda items discussed? No Was there adequate discussion of issues? Yes Were any “Executive Sessions” called? Yes - an executive session was called to discuss potential litigation per RCW (Revised Code of Washington) 42.30.110(1)(i) https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=42.30.110 Was there adequate opportunity for public input? Yes Was background material available to the public? Yes - see link above Did any member recuse themselves during the meeting? No If yes, for what reason? List any other concerns or observations: Observer E-mail: jrfic@yahoo.com Date submitted: 6/23/2023 Name of Observer: Jane Ficalora
Observed Meeting: Langley City Council Date of Meeting: 6/5/2023 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, Finance Director: Wanda Grone, Planning Director: Meredith Penny, Director of Public Works: Randi Perry, Chief of Police: Tavier Wasser, Member of Public Skip Dellith (sp?), Civil Service Commission: Savannah Erickson, Parks & Open Space Commission Chair: Emily Gunn, Planning Advisory Commission Chair: Greg Easton 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: • Mayor Chaplin opened meeting with mention of June being pride month. A pride ally's flag was hung in the chamber in celebration. • During public comment period Skip Delith(sp?) mentioned that the timeline for the Tiny Housing project was being drawn out and that there are residents who need to know if the occupancy permit will approved. • Emily Gunn presented update the Parks & Open Space Commission work on maintenance of trails and parks. The commission is working to maintain grant status and plan to reach out to other nearby organizations with the similar goals. • Greg Easton, chair of the Planning Advisory Commission, spoke to council on planned work for Housing Action Plan, Critical Area Ordinance, Emergency Transitional Housing, Tree Ordinance, Comprehensive Plan update, Bluff management, and South Whidbey Port Code amendment. He asked if the council wanted to hear more detail on Inclusionary Zoning reply to consultant's report. Council voted no to hearing more at this meeting. Mayor scheduled Mr. Easton to return July 3rd for council to hear more information on the topic. • Mayor Chaplin's report included mention of a grant being submitted for solar energy and some gaps in finances that can help address strengthening the local economy. Later in the discussion portion of the meeting he brought up items regarding decorum. He recited code entries pertaining to running of meeting and ethics. He stated the code entries were presented not due to any major transgressions, but to promote the city's ability to run business as efficiently as possible. • Council member Salerno announced the upcoming Whidbey Water Story all day event that is a collaboration of Whidbey Island Center for the Arts and Langley Climate Crisis Action Committe with scientist and water experts. https://soundwaterstewards.org/event/whidbeys-water-future-in-a-changing-climate-2/ List any issues on the agenda relevant to any LWV state or local positions or programs: Economic and Social Justice Energy Fair and Adequate Revenue Shores, Wetlands and Land Use Do you recommend local League action or study on any of these issues? No If ‘yes’ what action do you recommend? 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: Was the agenda made available prior to and at the meeting? Yes - https://cms4files1.revize.com/langleywashington/2023-06-05%20Council%20Packet_Redacted.pdf Did members adhere to the provided agenda? Members adhered to amended agenda 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 link above Did any member recuse themselves during the meeting? No If yes, for what reason? List any other concerns or observations: Observer E-mail: jrfic@yahoo.com Date submitted: 6/9/2023 Name of Observer: Jane Ficalora
Observed Meeting: Langley City Council Date of Meeting: 5/15/2023 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, Finance Director: Wanda Grone, Planning Director: Meredith Penny, Director of Public Works: Randi Perry. Sara Springer from Ogden Murphy and Wallace and staff members from Langley Library. 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: -Public comment period included Jill Edwards announcing the organization of a pride parade for July of this year. It will be the first pride parade since 2008. -Council member Cyr announced Island Transit to add new routes and to be running routes on Sundays. He encouraged everyone to show support and get on a bus June 4th - the first Sunday the buses are to add routes. -Mayor Chaplin reported that the Association of Washington Cities will have an annual conference in Spokane June 22 and member cities can send three representatives to vote. He suggested council may find 3 volunteers to send at the next meeting. https://wacities.org/events-education/conferences/awc-annual-conference -Ordinances for changes to Mayor and council members salary were voted on and passed. -Ordinance to establish Advisory Climate Crisis Action Commission was voted on and passed as well. -Community Planning Director Meredith Perry updated council that the State Environmental Policy Act notice for the Housing Action Plan has been posted for public comment and will conclude May 22. A poll is to be sent out this week to Planning Advisory Board and Council to gather feedback on proposed housing changes. -The options for removal of city documents for remodeling of Langley library were discussed at length with a detailed power point presentation by Mayor Chaplin. Progress was made in deciding temporary storage and the hiring of digitization specialists. -Council member Salerno announced the upcoming Whidbey Water Story all day event that is a collaboration of Whidbey Island Center for the Arts and Langley Climate Crisis Action Committe with science and water experts. https://soundwaterstewards.org/event/whidbeys-water-future-in-a-changing-climate-2/ 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. Was the agenda made available prior to and at the meeting? Yes https://cms4files1.revize.com/langleywashington/2023-05-15%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? 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: 5/21/23 Name of Observer: Jane Ficalora
Observed Meeting: Langley City Council Date of Meeting: 5/1/2023 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, Finance Director: Wanda Grone, Planning Director: Meredith Penny, Director of Public Works: Randi Perry, Chief of Police: Tavier Wasser, Sara Springer from Ogden Murphy and Wallace, Inge Morascini from Lodging Tax Advisory Commission and staff members from Langley Library. Many members of public. 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: -Mayor's report: City has finished hiring a Hearing Examiner. Langley is now a heritage area due to Marine Heritage Event funded by the National Park Service. The mayor attended a Rick Larsen event and learned that due to infrastructure bill there will be availability of money that the city needs to prepare for to be eligible. -There was a first reading regarding Ordinance to decrease the Mayor's salary and during discussion one member of the public voiced concern that lowering of salary would not be good for the city. -There was a first reading for Ordinance to raise council members salary. -There was a first reading for Ordinance to establish Advisory Climate Crisis Action Commission. Council members had differing opinions whether adding more commissions would be more costly and add work to already strained staff. There were ideas put forth that the committee could get more done faster if the organization did not become a commission. Public members voiced concerns and input ideas as well to possible options going forward. -Public Works director Perry updated council of Use Efficiency Goal Resolution and goal to reduce residential water use by 12/2028 to meet WA State requirement. -Mayor presented ideas on Water Use Efficiency Goal Task Force. The mayor suggested looking into consultants for help in evaluation of the matter. Some council and members of Public Works Advisory Commission discussed the current ongoing work that has been completed and plans for future. Some ideas expressed concern that consultants would not be helpful at this time. -The remodeling of Langley library in the near future is necessitating the removal of city documents from their current storage in basement of library. Library staff members attended in person to present possible plans and options for council to help with this upcoming work. A member of the Finance and Personnel Legislative Commission presented some concerns on the financing of the project. The member was careful to state they were a member of FPLC but were not representing on behalf of FPLC at this meeting. -Lodging Tax Advisory Commision chair Inge Morascini presented options for replacing Langley Billboard Sign on Hwy 525 that has been damaged. 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: Was the agenda made available prior to and at the meeting? Yes - https://cms4files1.revize.com/langleywashington/2023%2005%2001%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 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? List any other concerns or observations: Observer E-mail: jrfic@yahoo.com Date submitted: 5/3/23 Name of Observer: Jane Ficalora
Observed Meeting: Langley City Council Date of Meeting: 4/17/2023 Members present: Harolynne Bobis, Rhonda Salerno, Thomas Gill, Craig Cyr, Gail Fleming Members absent: none Others present (staff, media, public): Mayor: Scott Chaplin, Interim Clerk: Darlene Baldwin, Finance Director: Wanda Grone, Planning Director: Meredith Penny, Director of Public Works: Randi Perry, Chief of Police: Tavier Wasser, Chamber of Commerce Executive Director and Commissioner Port of South Whidbey 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: -Chamber of Commerce Inge Morascini provided update on local business. -Planning Director Penny presented interim zoning amendments for automobile detailing and Multi-Family performance standards for mixed-use development. Both amendments passed. -Public Works Director Perry presented information on Water Use Efficiency Goal Resolution. -Greg Easton, Commissioner for Port of South Whidbey was present to follow up on application that was submitted August of 2022. There is funding available for proposal of housing on fairgrounds but need zoning changes in timely manner or will lose money. Planning Director Perry explained the application process was slowed because of tax issues with company processing application. It was decided as long as the Port has evidence of the proceedings in process that would suffice for near term. If tax issue continues longer, Penny will take up work on application until the tax matter is solved. -Chief Wasser announced the police department was awarded a grant for training program. The department is developing recruiting effort to fill openings in the civil service commission that by law need to be filled. The department is searching for a new vehicle and pros and cons of using EV automobiles were discussed. -Finance director Grone mentioned there is need to have a different person other than herself for accounts payable because it opens city to potential for fraud charges. Grone is currently working to close year-end balance as well and that is a time-consuming task. The director also mentioned that the city uses a lot of volunteers and there is a need for these hours to be recorded quarterly. 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: Was the agenda made available prior to and at the meeting? Yes - https://cms4files1.revize.com/langleywashington/Updated%202023%2004%2017%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? 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 List any other concerns or observations: Observer E-mail: jrfic@yahoo.com Date submitted: 4/20/23 Name of Observer: Jane Ficalora
Observed Meeting: Langley City Council Date of Meeting: 4/10/2023 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, Chief of Police: Tavier Wasser, and members of Climate Crisis Action 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: Speakers for Climate Crisis Action Commission presented power point slides on current and future work that city is doing to be good stewards of the environment. There was mention of available federal funding for green projects and that the creation of a climate action plan would be needed to be eligible for this funding. Also, an invitation was extended to an upcoming seminar to be held 6/10 on Whidbey's Water Future. Community Planning Director Penny proposed two interim zoning amendments. One amendment regarding regulations for automobile detailing land use and the second regarding performance standards multi-family. Both amendments were passed. Council member Salerno opened follow up discussion on Holiday Recognition. Council member Cyr suggested the following of recommendations outlined by Dismantling Systemic Racisim Commission. Council member Bobis referenced Kirkland's city council ethic rules as a model for Langley to look for updating current code. Council member Gill suggested he and Bobis review the ethics code together to see what needs to be addressed. 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. Was the agenda made available prior to and at the meeting? Yes: https://cms4files1.revize.com/langleywashington/2023-04-10%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? 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 List any other concerns or observations: Observer E-mail: jrfic@yahoo.com Date submitted: 4/12/23 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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