Langley City Council, January 17, 2023

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:  [email protected]                     Date submitted:  1/21/23