Langley City Council, October 16, 2023

​Name of Observer: Jane Ficalora
Observed Meeting:   Langley City Council
Date of Meeting: 10/16/2023
Members present: Harolynne Bobis, Rhonda Salerno, Thomas Gill, Craig Cyr, Gail Fleming
Members absent: none
Others present (staff, media, public):  Mayor: Scott Chaplin, Interim Archives and Records Manager: Kristen Abraham, City Administrator/Clerk: Mark Rentfrow, Director of Public Works: Randi Perry, Chief of Police: Tavier Wasser and Finance Director: Wanda Grone
Members of public in person and on zoom are not shown unless they make a comment.

Summarize the main issues discussed at the meeting:

• At public comment period a business owner and a longtime resident voiced concerns about changes the projected affordable housing development would have to the fairgrounds. They expressed a love of the fair as it has been for many years and not wanting to see future development cause any disruptive changes.
• The mayor's report included news of the city receiving six proposals for solar plus storage. Mayor Chaplin mentioned that decentralization of power has been an idea developing for about 30 years and microgrids are starting to be used in reservations and other cities. The mayor also reported he had received a request from a national organization to sign a pledge to reject new or renewed expansion of fossil fueled infrastructure. Chaplin did not think the wording of the pledge was suitable to the city of Langley. He suggested sending the pledge to the Climate Crisis Action Commission for the creation of a similar pledge specific to Langley.
• Public Works Director Randi Perry's report included that Langley has been selected to participate in EPA's Creating Resilient Water Utilities Initiative. The program includes free technical assistance and is scheduled to begin mid 2024. The director was happy to report progress on the Bluff management plans with a kickoff meeting on 10/4 and completion of onsite visits and drone flights on 10/11. Also noted was the Langley Infrastructure Project's planning and funding options. Council members voiced desire to be included in the work of Public Works Advisory and Finance and Personnel Legislative Commission's progress on this very extensive project.

List any issues on the agenda relevant to any LWV state or local positions or programs: 
(League positions can be found here.
Fair & Adequate Revenue
Energy
Shorelines, Wetlands & Land Use
Water & Rivers

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?  All in attendance were given time to speak and ask questions. The meeting was conducted in an orderly and civil manner.

Consider the following questions and respond if relevant:
Was the agenda made available prior to and at the meeting? Yes 

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? No
Was there adequate opportunity for public input? Yes
Was background material available to the public? Yes 
Did any member recuse themselves during the meeting? No
If yes, for what reason?

List any other concerns or observations:

Observer E-mail: [email protected]                                          Date submitted: 10/21/2023