​Name of Observer: Jane Ficalora
Observed Meeting:   Langley City Council
Date of Meeting: 6/5/2023
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, Finance Director: Wanda Grone, Planning Director: Meredith Penny, Director of Public Works: Randi Perry, Chief of Police: Tavier Wasser, Member of Public Skip Dellith (sp?), Civil Service Commission: Savannah Erickson, Parks & Open Space Commission Chair: Emily Gunn, Planning Advisory Commission Chair: Greg Easton
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:

• Mayor Chaplin opened meeting with mention of June being pride month. A pride
ally's flag was hung in the chamber in celebration.

• During public comment period Skip Delith(sp?) mentioned that the timeline for the Tiny Housing project was being drawn out and that there are residents who need to know if the occupancy permit will approved.

• Emily Gunn presented update the Parks & Open Space Commission work on maintenance of trails and parks. The commission is working to maintain grant status and plan to reach out to other nearby organizations with the similar goals.

• Greg Easton, chair of the Planning Advisory Commission, spoke to council on planned work for Housing Action Plan, Critical Area Ordinance, Emergency Transitional Housing, Tree Ordinance, Comprehensive Plan update, Bluff management, and South Whidbey Port Code amendment. He asked if the council wanted to hear more detail on Inclusionary Zoning reply to consultant's report.
Council voted no to hearing more at this meeting. Mayor scheduled Mr. Easton to return July 3rd for council to hear more information on the topic.

• Mayor Chaplin's report included mention of a grant being submitted for solar energy and some gaps in finances that can help address strengthening the local economy. Later in the discussion portion of the meeting he brought up items regarding decorum. He recited code entries pertaining to running of meeting and ethics. He stated the code entries were presented not due to any major transgressions, but to promote the city's ability to run business as efficiently as possible.
• Council member Salerno announced the upcoming Whidbey Water Story all day event that is a collaboration of Whidbey Island Center for the Arts and Langley Climate Crisis Action Committe with scientist and water experts.
https://soundwaterstewards.org/event/whidbeys-water-future-in-a-changing-climate-2/

List any issues on the agenda relevant to any LWV state or local positions or programs: 
Economic and Social Justice
Energy
Fair and Adequate Revenue
Shores, Wetlands and Land Use

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?  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:
Was the agenda made available prior to and at the meeting? Yes -
https://cms4files1.revize.com/langleywashington/2023-06-05%20Council%20Packet_Redacted.pdf
Did members adhere to the provided agenda? Members adhered to amended agenda
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 - see link above
Did any member recuse themselves during the meeting? No
If yes, for what reason?

List any other concerns or observations:

Observer E-mail: jrfic@yahoo.com                                           Date submitted:  6/9/2023

Name of Observer: Robin Porter
Observed Meeting:   South Whidbey School Board 
Date of Meeting: May 24, 2023

Members present: Andrea Downs Policy Representative, School Board Director - District 2; Joe Greenheron WIAA Representative, School Board Director - District 1; Marni Jackson School Board Director - District 4, Legislative Representative; Ann Johnson Vice Chair/Board Auditor, School Board Director - District 5; Brook Willeford Chair/President, School Board Director – District; Dr. Josephine (Jo) Moccia superintendent South Whidbey School District; Audrey Gmerek and Katya Schiavone, student members; John Patton, Kayla Phillips, and Susie Richards, Principals; Dan Poolman Assistant Superintendent; Kristina Macarro Communications Director.

Members absent:

Others present (staff, media, public): Student Carter McKnight; Emmy Atwood School Nurse teacher/practitioner; Shawn Morris Island County Public Health Director; Laura Davenport, Ali Doleshel, Amanda Pitts, Denice Bochantin, Charlene Davenport, Tatiana Hoshiko, Jen Lariff, members of the public.

Summarize the main issues discussed at the meeting:

Three main issues focused on by South Whidbey School District Board members during the May 24 meeting were:
 Results of a local community survey showing that the top chronic conditions experienced by SWSD students and staff are “anxiety, stress and depression.” The survey is part of a ‘Needs Assessment’ for school-based health center planning. Currently, the school district only has funding to staff school-based healthcare for one half day per week, which is intended to cover student and staff needs for the whole school district. SWSD School Nurse Emmy Atwood and Island County Public Health Director Shawn Morris presented survey results. Morris states that Island County currently falls below the state average in health services, meaning that it is an “underserved area.” He encourages those interested to serve on a proposed advisory group to increase access to care for both physical and mental health. To volunteer, contact Jen Kerez at j.krenz@islandcountywa.gov

 The district’s budget continues to be adversely affected by inflation, declining enrollment (since the 1990s), and loss of federal funds (pandemic aid). Board members encouraged the public to attend the upcoming SWSB workshop on July 12, to hear the budget presentation for the upcoming school year. A final budget is due to OSPI (Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction) by August. A recent failed school bond vote will also be discussed at that meeting. Regarding that April 2023 vote, Willeford reported that the bond received 1201 more ‘yes’ votes than ‘no’ votes, and that the
measure was “129 votes short of the state requirement of 60% plus one.”

 During the public comment period, several parents and one teacher voiced concerns that the Alternative Learning Experience program (ALE) could potentially face staffing cuts, due to budget constraints. Several referred to the popularity of this program as it is experiencing a long wait list made up of parents and students who wish to be part of it. Superintendent Moccia responded that no decisions have been made on staffing cuts, as the SWSD budget is still “a work in progress.” Also, that she is currently working with Mrs. Richards on the ALE wait list.

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

These are the primary LWV positions which pertain to state funding of education, which directly
apply to several of the issues raised during this meeting:
 K-12–2: The state has the responsibility for amply funding both education, through the BEA, and those social services needed to ensure that every child regardless of race, color, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, or disability is ready to learn and safe in his or her educational environment. Closer links between schools and social services should be forged. (1991, 1997)
K-12–3: All programs mandated by the legislature should be fully funded by the state. (1975)
K-12–4: Maintenance and operation costs of local school districts should be fully funded by the state. The state should also contribute to the costs of in-service training. (1977, 1991)

Do you recommend local League action or study on any of these issues?     
If ‘yes’ what action do you recommend? Yes, specifically studying the impact on students of
below average state funding for healthcare in school-based services,

Was the meeting conducted in an open, business-like, and civil manner?  Yes.

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? Yes, before and after the SWSB meeting to discuss
personnel issues.
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: NA

Observer E-mail:  rbnporter81@gmail.com                                       Date submitted:  6/1/23

Name of Observer: Becky Bolte
Observed Meeting:   Oak Harbor School Board
Date of Meeting: 5/22/23
Members present: Lynn Goebel, Bob Hallahan, Nicole Tesch, Jessica Aws, Sharon Jensen, Thinalyn Ramier: student, Josiah Villano: student
Members absent:
Others present (staff, media, public):  Dr. Tammy Campbell: CEO of The Scholar First, Superintendent Michelle Kuss-Cybula, Asst Superintendent Dwight Lundstrom, Vicky Williams (Financial reports)

Summarize the main issues discussed at the meeting:

2.01 Strategic Planning overview with Dr. Tammy Campbell, CEO of The Scholar First
- Provided overview of process
- Shared guiding principles – anchored by student voice
- Research: Battelle Research on High Performing districts, Districts that Succeed - University of Chicago Consortium on School Research
- Strategic Plan alignment with less goals for laser focus, better collaboration, students at center of goals
- will be in Oak Harbor listening to students, staff, and families. Then they will do a survey of all to come up with themes which will determine goals, metrics, and outcomes in 4 areas:
1.Whole child – social and belonging, 2. Early learning, 3. Grade level competency, 4. College and career
-Strategic plan is typically 5 years

5.01 Student rep report. Graduation is June 10

5.02 Visitors: Board President reminded that Board members do not respond to visitor comments and comments are limited to 3 minutes.
-Grace Jones – Drama: students went to State Thespian Festival at WWU and saw cutting of Laramie Project. It is #7 most produced high school play. Drama Club students voted to do the show in 2023-24 at OHHS but it was rejected by school administration. Grace was cut off at 3 minutes.
-Eclipse Garrett - They are aware that the board may not be able to overturn administrations rejection. She listed other play possibilities and reasons why not to do them – Marian, The True Tale of Robin Hood, She Kills Monsters, Little Women, Almost Maine, Clue. Whidbey Playhouse has offered support at their venue.

11.02 Public hearing: General Fund Budget Extension. No one signed up to speak.

11.03 2022-23 General Fund Budget Extension. Resolution 22-25 approved.

12.01 Superintendent comments:
-Building projects – Governor signed legislation, money release is end of July, state and federal money needs to be coordinated.
- May-June – meeting with Crescent Harbor and Hand-in-Hand/Home Connections staff, hire project manager
- July-August – finalize architectural plans
- September-November – begin site preparation work, call for committee applicants
- April 2024 – send out invitation for construction bids
Year end community mailer going out about strategic plan, what next year looks like
13.01 Board comments. Board members commented on activities and work with students
including many positive statements about students, but no one addressed the comments by
student visitors about the rejection of the Laramie Project. It is not clear why the board members
do not respond to visitor comments, especially students, after hearing that emphasis on students
is the starting point of goals in the upcoming strategic plan.
14.01 Upcoming board meetings are June 12 and 26 at 6 pm

List any issues on the agenda relevant to any LWV state or local positions or programs: 
(League positions can be found here: Positions - LWV Whidbey Island)

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?  Yes

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? Yes - lasted almost an hour
Was there adequate opportunity for public input? 3 minutes not adequate for visitors in this
meeting, but it is the rule
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:
See 13.01

Observer E-mail: bbolte@comcast.net                           Date submitted:  5/26/23

​Name of Observer: Jane Ficalora
Observed Meeting: Langley City Council
Date of Meeting: 5/15/2023
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, Finance Director: Wanda Grone, Planning Director: Meredith Penny, Director of Public Works: Randi Perry. Sara Springer from Ogden Murphy and Wallace and staff members from Langley Library.
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:
-Public comment period included Jill Edwards announcing the organization of a pride parade for July of this year. It will be the first pride parade since 2008.
-Council member Cyr announced Island Transit to add new routes and to be running routes on Sundays. He encouraged everyone to show support and get on a bus June 4th - the first Sunday the buses are to add routes.
-Mayor Chaplin reported that the Association of Washington Cities will have an annual conference in Spokane June 22 and member cities can send three representatives to vote. He suggested council may find 3 volunteers to send at the next meeting. https://wacities.org/events-education/conferences/awc-annual-conference
-Ordinances for changes to Mayor and council members salary were voted on and passed.
-Ordinance to establish Advisory Climate Crisis Action Commission was voted on and passed as well.
-Community Planning Director Meredith Perry updated council that the State Environmental Policy Act notice for the Housing Action Plan has been posted for public comment and will conclude May 22. A poll is to be sent out this week to Planning Advisory Board and Council to gather feedback on
proposed housing changes.
-The options for removal of city documents for remodeling of Langley library were discussed at length with a detailed power point presentation by Mayor Chaplin. Progress was made in deciding temporary storage and the hiring of digitization specialists.
-Council member Salerno announced the upcoming Whidbey Water Story all day event that is a collaboration of Whidbey Island Center for the Arts and Langley Climate Crisis Action Committe with science and water experts. https://soundwaterstewards.org/event/whidbeys-water-future-in-a-changing-climate-2/

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.

Was the agenda made available prior to and at the meeting? Yes
https://cms4files1.revize.com/langleywashington/2023-05-15%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? 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? For what reason? No

List any other concerns or observations:

Observer E-mail: jrfic@yahoo.com Date submitted: 5/21/23

​Name of Observer: Jane Ficalora
Observed Meeting: Langley City Council
Date of Meeting: 5/1/2023
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, Finance Director: Wanda Grone, Planning Director: Meredith Penny, Director of Public Works: Randi Perry, Chief of Police: Tavier Wasser, Sara Springer from Ogden Murphy and Wallace, Inge Morascini from Lodging Tax Advisory Commission and staff members from Langley Library. Many members of public.
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:
-Mayor's report: City has finished hiring a Hearing Examiner. Langley is now a heritage area due to Marine Heritage Event funded by the National Park Service. The mayor attended a Rick Larsen event and learned that due to infrastructure bill there will be availability of money that the city needs to prepare for to be eligible.
-There was a first reading regarding Ordinance to decrease the Mayor's salary and during discussion one member of the public voiced concern that lowering of salary would not be good for the city.
-There was a first reading for Ordinance to raise council members salary.
-There was a first reading for Ordinance to establish Advisory Climate Crisis Action Commission. Council members had differing opinions whether adding more commissions would be more costly and add work to already strained staff. There were ideas put forth that the committee could get more done faster if the organization did not become a commission. Public members voiced concerns and input ideas as well to possible options going forward.
-Public Works director Perry updated council of Use Efficiency Goal Resolution and goal to reduce residential water use by 12/2028 to meet WA State requirement.
-Mayor presented ideas on Water Use Efficiency Goal Task Force. The mayor suggested looking into consultants for help in evaluation of the matter.
Some council and members of Public Works Advisory Commission discussed the current ongoing work that has been completed and plans for future.
Some ideas expressed concern that consultants would not be helpful at this time.
-The remodeling of Langley library in the near future is necessitating the removal of city documents from their current storage in basement of library.
Library staff members attended in person to present possible plans and options for council to help with this upcoming work. A member of the Finance and Personnel Legislative Commission presented some concerns on the financing of the project. The member was careful to state they were a member of FPLC but were not representing on behalf of FPLC at this meeting.
-Lodging Tax Advisory Commision chair Inge Morascini presented options for replacing Langley Billboard Sign on Hwy 525 that has been damaged.

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:

Was the agenda made available prior to and at the meeting?
Yes -
https://cms4files1.revize.com/langleywashington/2023%2005%2001%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
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?

​List any other concerns or observations:

Observer E-mail: jrfic@yahoo.com Date submitted: 5/3/23

​Name of Observer: Diana M Conners
Observed Meeting:   So Whidbey School District Directors Meeting
Date of Meeting: April 26, 2023
Members present: Andrea Downs, Joe Greenheron, Marnie Jackson, Ann Johnson, Brook Willeford, Supt. Jo Moccia, Student members: Audrey Gmerek and Katya Schiavone
Members absent:
Others present (staff, media, public):  Principals: John Patton, Kayla Phillips, Dr. Jeff Frankhauser, Asst Supt Dan Poolman, Communications Director, Kristina Macarro and approximately 30 members of the community.

Summarize the main issues discussed at the meeting:
Presentation of spending over past year…A preliminary budget for 2023/24 was presented. Enrollment/ Down 46 for next year…
Program reductions–many that will affect students, no district funding for Running Start Program…
About 11 community members, coaches, parents, and students spoke to the new decision that forbids buses returning from athletic events from stopping on the way home for food/snacks/drinks.

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

Do you recommend local League action or study on any of these issues? 
Learn more about budget cuts/program reductions—Watch discussions on the new budget.
Possibly conduct meetings with individual members of the school board or have them speak at an event.

Was the meeting conducted in an open, business-like, and civil manner?  Yes

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?  There could have been more discussion, but there may not have been the time. 
Were any “Executive Sessions” called? Yes. There was an Executive Session following the Board Meeting.
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: There was a great deal of public protest against new budget cut regarding stops for athletic buses returning from sporting events. Quite a lot of protest regarding the quality of school programs… Comments on ration of district management to budget problems and need for cuts… One person stated that this Supt earns more than the Governor of WA.
​
Observer E-mail:    conners@whidbey.com               Date submitted:  05/01/2023

Name of Observer: Becky Bolte
Observed Meeting: Oak Harbor School District Board
Date of Meeting: 4-24-2023

Members present: Lynn Goebel, Bob Hallahan, Nicole Tesch, Jessica Aws, Thinalyn Ramier, student: Josiah Villano.
Members absent: Sharon Jensen
Others present (staff, media, public): Superintendent Michelle Kuss-Cybula, Asst. Superintendent Dwight Lundstrom.

Summarize the main issues discussed at the meeting:
3.01 Recognition of Erica Schulle by Principal Salisbury - PBS/KCTS one of top educators of the year in the state - Golden Apple Moments Award.
3.02 Recognition of Oak Harbor High School staff: Chris Whiteman – CTE. Choices program staff:  Nelson Rusche, David Thompson, Margo Lanier, Angiey Ward, Les Richardson, Dorothy Rotter, Vanessa Showalter, Kelley Evans.
4.02 Visitors: President Goebel announced that visitors are heard at board meetings (3 minutes) but board does not respond, they take notes and listen at the meeting. Two visitors signed up but did not attend.
5.01 Superintendent’s report:
“Legislation Matters” – Hand-in-Hand, Crescent Harbor Elementary, Home Connection were funded in capital budget, $13.5 million for Crescent Harbor. Support from Ron Muzzall, Dave Paul, and Clyde Shavers.
Budget overview – maintain people and programs, condense services. Finalizing classified staffing.
Kindergarten registration – 45% increased registration from last year, have online enrollment, developing an Early Learning Task Force.
7.01 Oak Harbor High School Annual Report:
School Improvement Plan – Goal #1 – Improve supportive relationships from 78% to 82% by spring. Goal #2 – claim/evidence/reasoning. Goal #3 math passing rate – still have a lot of work to do. Goal #4 graduation passing rate from 93.2% to 94 % - state average is 82%.
Supportive relationships –sense of belonging in 4 areas
· Student to student
· Student to staff
· Student to career
· Students to community
Next steps: implementing AVID (Advancement via Individual Determination), restarting Character Strong, roll out MTSS (muti-tiered system of support) ingredients.
7.02 CAPE Club:
Presented by Zoe. Community Awareness Peer Educators. Spreading awareness about substance use prevention, peer pressure, social norms, and media literacy.
9.01 Board policy updates: Dwight Lundstrom.
Change from student board member invited to attend board meetings to expected.
Student privacy – 18 year olds and up have control of their records, 14 and older have confidentially rights related to STDs, 13 and older have confidentiality rights related to drugs, alcohol and mental health treatment, all students have rights to family planning records.
Student searches – establish reasonable suspicion grounds, search done by principal or designee (dean). Can conduct search of car or backpack or container if there is reasonable suspicion. Lockers and desks can be searched anytime.
Staff continue to be mandatory reporters – for negligence, injury, sexual abuse. Training for staff included.
Non-discrimination statement for use of facilities.
Covid vaccination requirement removed.
14.01 Upcoming meetings. Board Meetings: Monday, May 8 at 5 p.m - study session, May 22 Board Meeting at 6 p.m. Student Voice Roundtables: May 18 at 11 a.m. and May 23.

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? YES

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, agenda, past meeting minutes, board member names, and livestream link.
Did any member recuse themselves during the meeting? No


List any other concerns or observations:
Slides are very easy to see online, but the video is small and difficult to view.
Some acronyms used that are not always spelled out e.g. MTSS, AVID.
​
Observer E-mail: bbolte@comcast.net  Date submitted: 4-25-2023

​Name of Observer: Judy Hucka
Observed Meeting:   WbidbeyHealth Board of Commissioners
Date of Meeting: 04/20/2023
Members present: All five commissioners were present: President Ron Wallin, Gregory Richardson, James Golder, Morgan Cooper, Eric Anderson.
Members absent: 0
Others present (staff, media, public):  Staff members present: Dr. David Lemme (Chief of Staff), John Freeman (Associate Vice President of HealthTech Management Services), Shanna Harney-Bates (Quality), Dr. Garth Miller (COO), Paul Rogers (Finance), Tim Waldner (IT/Ancillary Services), Curtis Shumate (Nursing), LaJolla Peters (HR). New CEO Nathan Staggs attended remotely via Zoom but had a poor connection.
Member of the public: Vicki McFarland.

Summarize the main issues discussed at the meeting:
Electronic health records consulting contract. This is a $2.455 million 16-month contract with the consulting firm Tegria to provide consulting for the implementation of a new electronic health records system. The hospital district is migrating from two disparate EHR systems to a single integrated platform (Meditech) and upgrading from Meditech 6.08 to Meditech Expanse. 

Commissioner Gregory Richardson raised concerns that he had not been given adequate time to review the proposed contract, which had been reviewed and recommended by the Finance Committee. He noted that he did not intend to be a “rubber stamp” for staff recommendations and that the commissioners’ job is governance and oversight. He asked that in the future commissioners be given at least two days before a meeting to review complicated and high-cost contracts and other proposals before being asked to vote on them.
CEO Staggs agreed that information should be provided earlier. However, he said that multiple people with multiple areas of expertise were involved in recommending the contract. After some
discussion, Richardson said he supported the contract and it was approved unanimously.

Medical staffing. Both Chief Operating Officer Dr. Garth Miller and Executive Director of Nursing Curtis Shumate noted some progress in hiring doctors, physician’s assistants and nurses to address what is a nationwide shortage of medical providers. Shumate noted that he is continuing to work to reduce the need to use expensive traveling nurses. There was mention of increased workplace violence and behavioral problems; staff is monitoring this situation and implementing training to deal with it.

Financial status. John Freeman and Paul Rogers noted continuing improvement in financial status, with several key indicators favorable over the same time last year. A report from state auditors is to be given tomorrow (April 21) and the commissioners plan to attend. It was determined this was not a public meeting.

Commissioners Comments: Commissioners noted that it has been one year since the hospital contracted with HealthTech to provide management services. They agreed this has brought the hospital to a much better position, but they would like a report on the total costs of this arrangement.

Several times during the meeting, commissioners noted that the hospital is in much better shape than a year ago and that most of the serious problems (financial, management,
staffing) are behind it.

Executive Session. The Board clearly advertised an executive session for “education” with legal adviser Brad Berg. No more specific topic for the executive session was stated. When the board came out of executive session, Board President Wallin stated that no votes had been taken or decisions made.

List any issues on the agenda relevant to any LWV state or local positions or programs: NONE

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

Consider the following questions and respond if relevant:

Was the agenda made available prior to and at the meeting? Yes, but no supporting documentation.

Did members adhere to the provided agenda? Were any non-agenda
items discussed?  
Tegria contract was not listed on the agenda.

Was there adequate discussion of issues?   Yes, there was a bit more discussion than the previous
meeting I attended.

Were any “Executive Sessions” called? Yes. For “education” with legal adviser Brad Berg.

Was there adequate opportunity for public input? Yes
Was background material available to the public? Not that I could find.
Did any member recuse themselves during the meeting? No

List any other concerns or observations:
The Board of Commissioners, with leadership team and staff, meets in person at WH’s Health
Education Center. I attended online via Zoom. Because of the way the camera was set up, it was
difficult to see who was speaking and was also difficult to hear at times. Members of the Board
of Commissioners were not introduced and did not appear to have nameplates so it is difficult to
identify who was who. It would probably be better to attend these meetings in person.

The most important item discussed at the meeting, the $2.4 million contract with Tegria, was not
listed on the agenda made available to the public.
I intend to follow up to get a copy of the state auditors’ report.
Board President Ron Wallin made it clear that public input was welcome and appreciated.
Several other commissioners also mentioned they valued public comment.
Several staff members gave reports and shared various documents on the screen, but copies of
reports were not readily provided on the website, so it was difficult to see the details. Most likely
I could ask for copies of these reports.
​
Observer E-mail: judy.hucka@gmail.com                                     Date submitted: 04/21/2023

Name of Observer: Jane Ficalora
Observed Meeting: Langley City Council
Date of Meeting: 4/17/2023
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, Finance Director: Wanda Grone, Planning Director: Meredith Penny, Director of Public Works: Randi Perry, Chief of Police: Tavier Wasser, Chamber of Commerce Executive Director and Commissioner Port of South Whidbey
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:
-Chamber of Commerce Inge Morascini provided update on local business.
-Planning Director Penny presented interim zoning amendments for automobile detailing and Multi-Family performance standards for mixed-use development. Both amendments passed.
-Public Works Director Perry presented information on Water Use Efficiency Goal Resolution.
-Greg Easton, Commissioner for Port of South Whidbey was present to follow up on application that was submitted August of 2022. There is funding available for proposal of housing on fairgrounds but need zoning changes in timely manner or will lose money. Planning Director Perry explained the
application process was slowed because of tax issues with company processing application. It was decided as long as the Port has evidence of the proceedings in process that would suffice for near term. If tax issue continues longer, Penny will take up work on application until the tax matter is solved.
-Chief Wasser announced the police department was awarded a grant for training program. The department is developing recruiting effort to fill openings in the civil service commission that by law need to be filled. The department is searching for a new vehicle and pros and cons of using EV automobiles were discussed.
-Finance director Grone mentioned there is need to have a different person other than herself for accounts payable because it opens city to potential for fraud charges. Grone is currently working to close year-end balance as well and that is a time-consuming task. The director also mentioned that the city uses a lot of volunteers and there is a need for these hours to be recorded quarterly.

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:

Was the agenda made available prior to and at the meeting? Yes -
https://cms4files1.revize.com/langleywashington/Updated%202023%2004%2017%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? 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

List any other concerns or observations:

Observer E-mail: jrfic@yahoo.com Date submitted: 4/20/23

Name of Observer: Jane Ficalora
Observed Meeting: Langley City Council
Date of Meeting: 4/10/2023
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, Chief of Police: Tavier Wasser, and members of Climate Crisis Action 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:

Speakers for Climate Crisis Action Commission presented power point slides on current and future work that city is doing to be good stewards of the environment. There was mention of available federal funding for green projects and that the creation of a climate action plan would be needed to be eligible for this funding. Also, an invitation was extended to an upcoming seminar to be held 6/10 on Whidbey's Water Future.

Community Planning Director Penny proposed two interim zoning amendments. One amendment regarding regulations for automobile detailing land use and the second regarding performance standards multi-family. Both amendments were passed.

Council member Salerno opened follow up discussion on Holiday Recognition. Council member Cyr suggested the following of recommendations outlined by Dismantling Systemic Racisim Commission.

Council member Bobis referenced Kirkland's city council ethic rules as a model for Langley to look for updating current code. Council member Gill suggested he and Bobis review the ethics code together to see what needs to be addressed.

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.

Was the agenda made available prior to and at the meeting?
Yes: https://cms4files1.revize.com/langleywashington/2023-04-10%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? 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

List any other concerns or observations:

Observer E-mail: jrfic@yahoo.com Date submitted: 4/12/23