Langley City Council, September 18, 2023

​Name of Observer: Jane Ficalora
Observed Meeting:   Langley City Council
Date of Meeting: 9/18/2023
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: Mark Rentfrow, and Finance Director: Wanda Grone, Planning Director: Meredith Penny, Director or Public Works: Randi Perry, Chief of Police: Tavier Wasser, Chamber of Commerce Executive Director: Inge Morascini and Finance and Personnel Commissioner Rose Hughes
Members of public in person and on zoom are not shown unless they make a comment.

Summarize the main issues discussed at the meeting:
• Mayor Chaplin reported that the Requests for Proposals on solar plus storage have gone out. Also, he met with other agencies that received this grant and there is a possibility of cooperating with educational outreach and buying solar panels in bulk instead of one agency at a time.
• Directors Perry and Penny recommended approval of a contract with Cross Reiter, INC to develop a management plan for the city’s publicly owned bluffs. Council member Salerno requested that in the future, council conduct interviews if there are two applicants with competitive quotes. Approval of contract was passed unanimously.
• Administrator Rent and Directors Perry and Penny informed council of an offer for a competitive low interest loan to help fund Langley infrastructure project currently at 90% in the design phase. The updated cost estimates revealed a budget shortfall of approximately $3.5 million dollars. The Public Works Advisory Commission had submitted the application in July and was one of 61 applicants to meet criteria for loan. The application included primarily funding drinking water projects and wetland restoration. Councilmembers had many questions on details of loan structure and how it would be paid back. Renfrow mentioned there still is a chance to use a grant if one is found in future and the
ability to deobligate the loan at a later date.
• Inge Morascini of the Chamber of Commerce talked about the future prospect of electronic charging stations being placed on HWY 525. The charging stations can be an attraction for tourism traffic. Morascini also spoke about the latest delays of Clinton Mukilteo ferry. She suggested bringing Department of Transportation personnel to council to hear directly about the hiring, training, and boat
maintenance issues that have contributed to the delays.

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. There were some interruptions and confusion on rules of order, but the meeting was conducted in a 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? Members adhered to amended agenda.
     Allotted time for some of the items went over.
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:  9/21/2023