Langley City Council, November 7, 2022

Observer Corps Report Form

Name of Observer: Jane Ficalora
Observed Meeting:   Langley City Council
Date of Meeting: 11/7/2022
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

There were a couple of Planning Board volunteers attending to present updates and a local business owner was there in person. The mayor said there were 14 members of the public attending virtually. The only cameras the public were allowed to see were the members and staff present until the zoom administrator allowed a video of a volunteer or public member commenting.


Summarize the main issues discussed at the meeting: 

• Transportation Improvement Plan, Capital Improvement Plan and Fees schedule for 2023: Road, sidewalk, water, sewer and drainage work and renovations to city hall, library and firehouse.
• Ordinance on Ad Valorem Levy Taxes for 2023: A 1% increase over 2022 was voted in unanimously.
• Finance Director Position to be filled: The search for a Finance Director was mentioned and the change of the work organization and who would be reporting the who was discussed some, but an executive session went into the details.
• Ordinance of City of Langley Lodging Tax Advisory Commission: Commission to review applications and make recommendations, review how revenue is spent and review participation in Whidbey/Camino tourism board 
• Review of Open Public Meeting Act’s new requirements: Weather or not the Council meeting was an open meeting like a townhall, or mayor’s meeting was discussed.
• Update on Housing Action Plan Process: Update on study of incomes and population changes for what housing will be needed in the future.

List any issues on the agenda relevant to any LWV state or local positions or programs:

• Review of Open Public Meeting Act
• Update on Housing Action Plan

   


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 motioned and voted on orderly. 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/2022%2011%2007%20Council%20Packet.pdf

Did members adhere to the provided agenda? Were any non-agenda items discussed?  
Yes – at the beginning a few items were moved to the next meeting – then the agenda was followed.

Was there adequate discussion of issues?  
Yes

Were any “Executive Sessions” called?
Yes – 25 mins were taking to discuss the new hire of a Finance Director 

Was there adequate opportunity for public input?
Yes

Was background material available to the public?
Yes – the council packet linked above is very thorough

Did any member recuse themselves during the meeting? For what reason?
No


List any other concerns or observations:
Well run meeting. On the whole members helped keep each other on topic. There was some duplication and at time misunderstandings of the proceedings that had to be clarified a couple of times until all members understood. Then again, making sure all members are informed is part of a good meeting as well.

Date submitted:  11/8/22