Langley City Council, March 6, 2023

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