Langley City Council, June 5, 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