Langley City Council, March 20, 2023

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