Mount Vernon public meetings in 2025

City Council

The City Council meeting scheduled for December 24, 2025, has been cancelled. The Finance & Parks and Recreation Committee meeting is also cancelled.

City Council Committee Agendas

The Development Services Committee will meet to discuss middle housing and state preemption. The committee has postponed the interim ordinance on middle housing until January 2026.

• Postponement of middle housing interim ordinance until January 2026
• Discussion on state preemption regarding middle housing

The Development Services Committee discussed the state‑mandated middle‑housing requirements that take effect Jan. 1, 2026. Staff recommended that the Council adopt an interim ordinance adding a middle‑housing chapter to the Municipal Code, and scheduled stakeholder meetings for early January with a review planned for Jan. 21 and a council presentation on Jan. 28. No formal votes or approvals were recorded.

City Council

The Mount Vernon City Council will consider several new business items, including an agreement to form the North Star Leadership Team, a resolution directing opioid settlement funds to the North Star Collaborative, and multiple ordinances updating the municipal code and budget. Key ordinances include prohibiting the sale and discharge of fireworks, authorizing an interfund loan for the fire capital project, amending the 2025 budget, and approving a state financing contract for a new aerial ladder fire truck. The council will also vote on a resolution to use proceeds from the financing contract to reimburse the fire truck purchase and on a change to the 2026 business license threshold.

• Ordinance 3931 – Local Agency Financing contract with the State of Washington to finance an aerial ladder fire truck
• Ordinance 3928 – Update Municipal Code Chapter 8.24 to prohibit sale and discharge of fireworks within the city
• Ordinance 3929 – Interfund loan from the Equipment Rental Fund to the Fire Capital Project Fund
• Ordinance 3930 – Amendments to the 2025 Adopted Budget
• Resolution 1088 – Direct opioid settlement funds to be administered by the North Star Collaborative

The council approved a $2,655,895 amendment to the 2025 adopted budget and adopted several related measures, including an interlocal agreement to form the North Star Leadership Team, a resolution directing 80% of opioid settlement funds to that team, and updates to the fireworks ban, fire‑funding loans, and business‑license thresholds. All items were approved by unanimous or near‑unanimous votes. The council also cancelled the December 24, 2025 meeting.

• Approved interlocal agreement establishing North Star Leadership Team (7‑0)
• Approved Resolution 1088 directing 80% of opioid settlement funds to North Star Collaborative (7‑0)
• Approved Ordinance 3928 updating fireworks ban, repealing Ordinance 3879 (6‑0)
• Approved Ordinance 3929 authorizing $975,621 interfund loan to Fire Capital Project Fund (7‑0)
• Approved Ordinance 3930 amending 2025 budget by $2,655,895 (7‑0)
• Approved Ordinance 3931 Local Agency Financing Contract for aerial ladder fire truck $975,621.30 (7‑0)
• Approved Resolution 1089 to use financing contract proceeds for the fire truck (7‑0)
• Approved Ordinance 3932 raising 2026 Business License Model Threshold to $4,000 for out‑of‑city businesses (7‑0)

Library Board

The Library Board will review budget reports and library statistics. The board is scheduled to discuss a draft of the personnel policy and establish 2025 meeting dates.

• Personnel Policy Draft
• 2025 Meeting Dates
• Budget Reports
• Statistics Discussion

The board approved the November 13th, 2025 meeting minutes after a motion by Lyne and a second by Jessica. The trustees also adopted the schedule of board meetings for 2026, listing dates from January 8 to December 10. No other formal actions were taken.

• Approved November 13th, 2025 minutes (motion by Lyne, seconded by Jessica)
• Adopted 2026 board meeting dates: Jan 8, Feb 12, Mar 12, Apr 16, May 7, Jun 11, Jul 9, Aug 13, Sep 10, Oct 8, Nov 12, Dec 10

LEOFF 1 Board

The LEOFF 1 Board will meet to review a request for eye surgery reimbursement. The board will also discuss the upcoming expiration of a Firefighter Board Member term on December 31, 2025.

• Review for Eye Surgery reimbursement
• Firefighter Board Member term expiration on 12/31/2025

City Council

The December 10, 2025, Regular City Council meeting was adjourned. The meeting is rescheduled for December 17, 2025, at 7:00 p.m.

City Council Committee Agendas

The Public Safety Committee will open the meeting, approve the agenda and minutes from prior sessions, and address several legal matters. The committee will discuss the North Star Interlocal Agreement, adopt a resolution for opioid settlement funds, and consider a fireworks ordinance. Police Chief Christman will lead a discussion on ATV, UTV, and side‑by‑side vehicle use. The meeting will close with any miscellaneous items and adjournment.

• North Star Interlocal Agreement
• Opioid Settlement Funds Resolution
• Fireworks Ordinance
• ATV/UTV/Side‑by‑Side Discussion

The council approved the November 5, 2025 Public Safety Committee minutes, correcting the reference to Culture Trail Safety Lighting. The meeting also included presentations on a permanent fireworks ban, opioid settlement fund usage, and ATV/UTV/SXS enforcement, but no votes or approvals were recorded for those items.

• Approved Public Safety Committee minutes (with correction to item 4)

City Council

The Mount Vernon City Council meeting scheduled for November 25, 2025 has been cancelled. No agenda items will be considered. The Finance & Parks and Recreation Committee meeting on November 26, 2025 is also cancelled.

City Council

The City Council will hold a public hearing to discuss and potentially adopt the 2026 City Budget via Ordinance 3927. The body will also consider Resolution 1087 to fix the 2026 Property Tax Levy.

• Proposed 2026 total budget of $92,979,109
• Authorization of 1.00 new Police Officer position ($275,198)
• Authorization of 6.00 new Firefighter positions ($932,670)
• Authorization of 2.00 new Parks Maintenance Workers and 1.00 part-time Rec Lead ($256,503)
• Proposed property tax revenue increases of $2,978,814 for the General Fund and $1,500,000 for Parks and Recreation

The council adopted Ordinance 3927, approving the 2026 city budget, with a unanimous 7‑0 vote. The council also approved Resolution 1087, fixing the 2026 property tax levy at $2.2537 per $1,000 of assessed value, also by a 7‑0 vote.

• Adopted Ordinance 3927 approving the 2026 City Budget (7-0)
• Approved Resolution 1087 fixing the 2026 Property Tax Levy at $2.2537 per $1,000 (7-0)

City Council

The Mount Vernon City Council will hold a special meeting to vote on the 2026 property tax levy and hold a public hearing for the 2026 City Budget. The meeting will be held at the Police/Court Campus.

• Approval of Resolution 1087 for 2026 Property Tax Levy
• Public Hearing for 2026 City Budget
• Ordinance 3927 adoption for 2026 Budget

Library Board

The Mount Vernon Library Board will convene to approve prior meeting minutes, review budget and operations reports, and discuss a draft personal policy. The meeting will also include public comment and incident reports.

• Approval of October 9th, 2025 minutes
• Discussion of Personal Policy Draft
• Budget and Kitchen report
• Operations Update
• Incident Reports, Waivers & Surplus Material

The board approved the October 9, 2025 meeting minutes. CJ Krebs was hired as the new Public Services Librarian. The board determined that capping the replacement cost of VOX books at $25‑$30 is permissible under the existing circulation policy. The board noted that the county will no longer subsidize library fees, so a non‑resident card price increase will be considered.

• Approved October 9, 2025 Board minutes (motion by Christi, seconded by Joan)
• Hired CJ Krebs as Public Services Librarian
• Determined VOX book replacement cost cap is permissible under current policy
• Reviewed first draft of personnel policy (feedback to be used for next draft)
• Noted loss of county subsidy; will explore raising non‑resident card price

City Council Committee Agendas

The Public Works and Library Committee will discuss the 2026 budget, purchasing policies, and updates on park facilities and library programs. It will review the on‑call environmental services agreement and the Park Street pump station generator. The committee will also receive updates on LaVenture Road widening, a combined sewer separation study, and other transportation improvement projects.

• On‑Call Environmental Services Agreement (Surface Water Utility)
• Park Street Pump Station Generator
• LaVenture Road Widening
• Combined Sewer Separation Study
• 30th Street Improvements

The committee approved raising the mayor’s signing authority to $350,000 and set department‑head purchase limits at $100,000. It also allowed the mayor to approve change orders up to 20% of a contract’s value and gave the council permission to postpone a vote on the purchasing policy until after Jan 1 2026. A $12,345 change order to the Bakerview Restroom contract was approved and will be covered by WCIA insurance.

• Mayor’s signing authority increased to $350,000
• Department heads authorized to approve purchases up to $100,000
• Mayor may approve change orders up to 20% of contract value
• Council may delay vote on purchasing policy until after Jan 1 2026
• Approved $12,345 change order to Bakerview Restroom contract, covered by WCIA insurance

City Council

The Mount Vernon City Council will hold a public hearing on the 2026 Property Tax Levy and approve various contracts and agreements, including a restroom renovation project and amendments to existing service agreements.

• Public Hearing - 2026 Property Tax Levy
• Approval of Agreement Amendment – Scott Wall Construction (Bakerview Restroom Renovation)
• Approval of Ordinances – Municipal Code Chapters 6.04 and 6.08
• Approval of November 12, 2025, Claims in the amount of $2,310,839.70
• Approval of Ordinance 3924

The council unanimously approved the meeting agenda and a series of financial items, including payroll checks totaling $1,301,967.94 and claims amounting to $2,310,839.70. It also approved an amendment to Agreement 4800 with Scott Wall Construction for $12,345.05 and updated the municipal animal control code to replace licensing with chip and vaccination requirements. Additionally, the council cancelled the November 25, 2025 City Council meeting.

• Approved agenda (4-0)
• Approved payroll checks $1,301,967.94 (4-0)
• Approved claims $2,310,839.70 (4-0)
• Approved amendment to Agreement 4800 with Scott Wall Construction $12,345.05 (4-0)
• Approved Ordinance 3925 & 3926 updating animal control code (4-0)
• Approved multiple agreements (HB1590 Grant, OpenGov, Vaux House, Little Mountain House, etc.) (4-0)
• Cancelled November 25, 2025 meeting (4-0)

City Council Committee Agendas

The Public Safety Committee will review the 2026 budget, discuss draft ordinances for animal control, and approve prior meeting minutes.

• Approval of October 1, 2025 minutes
• Review of 2026 Budget Discussion
• Review of Draft Animal Control Ordinances
• Review of Draft Dangerous Dogs Ordinances

The Public Safety Committee outlined new pet licensing ordinances and a fix‑it ticket system, which will be presented to City Council on November 12. The Finance portion reviewed two 2026 budget levy scenarios and staffing plans for police, fire, parks, and development services, but no approvals or votes were recorded. The committee also noted a revised mayoral COLA and ongoing comprehensive plan delays. No actions were formally approved, denied, or voted on at this meeting.

City Council Committee Agendas

The Committee of the Whole will meet to continue discussions regarding the 2026 budget. Other items on the agenda are procedural.

• 2026 Budget discussion

City Council Committee Agendas

The Finance and Parks and Recreation Committee will meet to discuss the 2026 budget. Other agenda items are procedural.

• 2026 Budget Discussion

The Finance & Parks and Recreation Committee reviewed upcoming budget items, ARPA fund balances, staffing updates, and operational costs. No votes, approvals, or denials were recorded; the meeting consisted of informational updates and action‑item assignments.

City Council

The Mount Vernon City Council will consider a public hearing and approval of Ordinance 3922, which adopts interim off‑street parking regulations. Council members will also vote on a resolution declaring a fire ladder truck surplus, an ordinance adjusting the Police Outreach Supervisor salary range, and a resolution supporting Proposition 1 levy for basic public safety. Two agreements with Perteet, Inc. for Riverside Drive Improvements (Project 1 and Project 2) will be presented for approval.

• Ordinance 3922 – adopt interim off‑street parking regulations (public hearing required)
• Resolution 1085 – declare a fire ladder truck surplus
• Ordinance 3923 – change Police Outreach Supervisor salary range from 25 to 28
• Resolution 1086 – support Proposition 1 levy for basic public safety, essential services, and improvements
• Agreements with Perteet, Inc. for Riverside Drive Improvements – Project 1 and Project 2

The council approved the consent agenda items, including payroll and claims payments, with a 7‑0 vote. It adopted an off‑street parking ordinance, approved the sale of a surplus fire aerial ladder truck, and amended the police outreach supervisor salary range. A resolution supporting Proposition 1, a property‑tax levy for basic public safety and improvements, was also approved unanimously. Two agreements with Perteet, Inc. for Riverside Drive Improvements – Project 1 ($754,241) and Project 2 ($1,313,162) – were approved with 7‑0 votes.

• Consent agenda items A‑H approved (7‑0)
• Adopted off‑street parking Ordinance 3922 (7‑0)
• Approved Resolution 1085 to sell surplus fire aerial ladder truck (7‑0)
• Adopted Ordinance 3923 adjusting Police Outreach Supervisor salary range (7‑0)
• Approved Resolution 1086 supporting Proposition 1 levy (7‑0)
• Approved agreement with Perteet, Inc. for Riverside Drive Improvements – Project 1 ($754,241) (7‑0)
• Approved agreement with Perteet, Inc. for Riverside Drive Improvements – Project 2 ($1,313,162) (7‑0)
• Approved payroll and claims payments in consent agenda (7‑0)

City Council Committee Agendas

The Development Services Committee will give project updates, a comprehensive plan update, a BESS presentation, and discuss encampments. The Police will consider a reclassification of the Integrated Outreach Supervisor position. Finance will present the 2026 preliminary budget for council review.

• Presentation of 2026 Preliminary Budget (Finance)
• Integrated Outreach Supervisor Position Reclassification (Police)
• BESS Presentation (Development Services)
• Comprehensive Plan Update (Development Services)
• Encampment Discussion (Development Services)

The Development Services Committee approved the Glenmore project for 75 housing units (31 single‑family and 36 multifamily). The 2026 preliminary budget shows a projected $6 million deficit within a $92.5 million total budget. The council assigned staff to continue budget hearings through December and to evaluate several policy and financing items.

• Approved Glenmore project for 75 units (31 single‑family, 36 multifamily)
• Council directed continuation of budget hearings through December
• Planning staff tasked to finalize comprehensive plan updates and address Blackburn Road concerns
• City staff tasked to evaluate BESS impact fees, engage United Way on shelter policy, and explore vehicle financing options
• Finance director tasked to update property tax levy based on new assessments
• Fire department tasked to review hazmat needs for battery energy storage systems

City Council

The City Council study session scheduled for October 15, 2025, was cancelled. Instead, a Development Services Committee meeting will be held at 6:00 p.m. on the same day.

• Study session cancelled
• Development Services Committee meeting at 6:00 p.m.

Library Board

The Mount Vernon Library Board will hold its regular meeting on Oct. 9, 2025. Board members will approve prior minutes, receive budget and operations reports, and discuss personnel policy and general advice. Public comment will be limited to ten minutes, and interpretation services are available on request.

• Approval of September 11, 2025 meeting minutes
• Budget reports presentation
• Statistics discussion
• Director report covering budget and operations update
• Discussion of personnel policy and general advice

The Library Board approved the minutes from the September 11, 2025 board meeting after a motion by Lyne Olson and a second by Jessica Robinson-Bylund. No other actions, approvals, denials, or tablings were recorded during the meeting.

• Approved September 11, 2025 Board meeting minutes (motion by Lyne Olson, second by Jessica Robinson-Bylund)

City Council Committee Agendas

The Public Works and Library Committee will review library services, programming, outreach, and a kitchen update, receive updates on surface‑water projects and city‑engineer improvements, and consider a proposal to defer the sewer connection fee. The fee deferral is the only specific policy item on the agenda.

• Library – discussion of services, programming, outreach, and kitchen update
• Surface Water Utility Updates – Skagit Highlands and Little Mountain Tower Extension
• City Engineer Project Updates – ADA Transition, Kulshan Trail Lighting 3, 30th Street Improvements ROW, Riverside Drive Improvement
• Administration – proposal to defer the sewer connection fee

The Public Works Committee reported progress on several projects, including completed boring for Skagit Highlands slope stability, upcoming consultant selections for Kulshan Trail lighting and 30th Street real estate, and delayed Riverside Drive contracts. The Library Committee gave updates on the near‑completion of the community‑room kitchen, a transition to a new book distributor, and plans for expanded programs and staffing. No formal approvals, denials, or votes were recorded at this meeting.

City Council

The City Council will consider approving the 2026-2031 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), which outlines $129.6 million in estimated expenditures for city projects. The meeting also includes the approval of payroll, claims, and project acceptances.

• Approval of 2026-2031 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP)
• Approval of payroll, claims, and wire transfers totaling $2,399,713.62
• Project Acceptance – Valdez Construction, Inc. (Hillcrest Park Tenant Improvements)
• Project Acceptance – Siemens Industry, Inc. (Library HRV/ERV Installation)
• Approval of agreement with Department of Commerce for Climate Planning grant

The council approved the 2026‑2031 Capital Improvement Plan by adopting Ordinance 3920. It also adopted updates to Municipal Code Chapter 2.12 (Ordinance 3921) and approved several agreements, including a fire equipment donation, a vault‑toilet installation, and a climate‑planning grant. All motions passed unanimously with a 7‑0 vote.

• Approved Consent Agenda items A‑F (including payroll, claims, project acceptances) 7‑0
• Approved 2026‑2031 Capital Improvement Plan (Ordinance 3920) 7‑0
• Adopted Municipal Code Chapter 2.12 updates (Ordinance 3921) 7‑0
• Approved Resolution 1084 to donate surplus fire equipment to Skagit Valley College 7‑0
• Approved agreement with ROMTEC, Inc. to install a vault toilet at Little Mountain Park for $88,792.21 (max $110,000) 7‑0
• Approved Climate Planning Grant agreement with Washington State Department of Commerce for $183,000 7‑0

Planning Commission

The Mount Vernon Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to review new development regulations for the R‑3 and R‑4 residential districts and associated parking standards. Commissioners will also discuss next steps for the regulation review and consider Phase I Comprehensive Plan amendment proposals presented by the Principal Planner. The meeting includes a consent agenda, public comment period, and miscellaneous items before adjournment.

• Review of new development regulations in R‑3 and R‑4 districts and parking regulations (Item 5)
• Discussion of next steps in the regulation review process (Item 6)
• Presentation of Phase I Comprehensive Plan Development Regulation Amendments memo
• Public comment period for agenda items not listed (Item 4)
• Consent agenda approval for routine items (Item 3)

Comp. Plan Citizen Advisory Committee

The Comprehensive Plan Citizen Advisory Committee is meeting to provide input on draft development regulation amendments. These proposals include updates to zoning districts and parking regulations to implement the Phase I Comprehensive Plan update.

• Proposed updated definitions for 'Affordable Housing' to comply with state law
• Proposed design standards for 'Courtyard Apartment' and 'Cottage Housing' middle housing types
• Proposed updates and amendments to zoning districts R-3 and R-4
• Proposed updates to Parking and Loading regulations
• Proposed regulations for Accessory Dwelling Units, including a 1,000 square foot size limit

City Council Committee Agendas

The Public Safety Committee will approve the September 3, 2025 minutes and hear updates from the fire and police chiefs on various programs and presentations. It will discuss a revision to Skagit County Resolution No. R20170124 concerning the ambulance fee schedule. The finance staff will present a 2026 review of revenue estimates.

• Approval of September 3, 2025 meeting minutes
• Donation of assets to Skagit Valley College (Fire)
• Revision of Skagit County Resolution No. R20170124, Ambulance Fee Schedule
• Downtown Parking Safety Sticks presentation (Police)
• 2026 Review of Revenue Estimates (Finance)

The Public Safety Committee reviewed a fire equipment donation to Skagit Valley College, a renewal of the Fire Injury Illness and Reduction Program, and a proposed 3% EMS transport rate increase starting in 2026. It noted that the 2026 SAFER grant was not funded but six firefighter positions remain planned pending levy approval, and a joint feasibility study for the Regional Fire Authority was proposed. The committee also examined a 30‑day trial of solar‑powered “Safety Stick” parking devices and presented budget estimates for FY 2026. No votes or formal approvals were recorded.

City Council

The October 1, 2025, City Council study session scheduled for the Police/Court Campus is cancelled. A Public Safety Committee meeting is set for 6:00 p.m.

• City Council study session cancelled
• Public Safety Committee meeting scheduled for 6:00 p.m.
• Location: Police/Court Campus, 1805 Continental Place

City Council

The Mount Vernon City Council will meet with neighboring city councils and Skagit County Commissioners to seek input on a draft interlocal agreement that formalizes the North Star initiative. The council will receive updates on commitments related to opioid settlement funds. Additional interjurisdictional updates and future collaboration opportunities will also be discussed.

• Input and direction on the Draft Interlocal Agreement Formalizing North Star
• Updates on commitments regarding opioid settlement funds
• Interjurisdictional updates and future collaboration opportunities
• Welcome, networking, and agenda overview

Council members from Mount Vernon, Anacortes, Burlington and Sedro‑Woolley met to review a 2025 draft Interlocal Agreement for the North Star Collaborative. The group discussed the draft, outlined next steps, and scheduled the next joint meeting for November 6, 2025. No formal approvals, denials, or votes were recorded.

• Scheduled next joint meeting for November 6, 2025

City Council Committee Agendas

The Mount Vernon City Council has rescheduled the Development Services Committee meeting originally set for September to September 24, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Police/Court Campus located at 1805 Continental Place. The agenda includes approval of previous minutes, updates on the Comprehensive Plan and BESS, and a discussion on encampments and step housing.

• Approval of August 20, 2025, minutes
• Project Updates/Monthly Metrics
• Comprehensive Plan Update
• BESS Update
• Encampments/Step Housing Discussion

The council agreed to hold a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) study session with each side limited to a 10‑minute presentation followed by questions and answers. No formal votes or approvals were recorded for the comprehensive plan updates, encampment regulations, or the upcoming contract amendment. The meeting primarily involved discussion and assignment of action items for staff.

• Agreed to limit BESS presentations to 10 minutes per side (no vote recorded)

City Council

The Mount Vernon City Council will hold a public hearing and vote on a resolution amending the 2026‑2031 Transportation Improvement Program. Council members will also consider several service agreements, including a stormwater professional services contract with Brown & Caldwell (up to $207,186) and agreements for wireless access with Skagit County fire agencies. Additional items include a canopy and flood‑proofing project for the Public Works Maintenance Shop and allocation of HB1590 affordable‑housing funds for 2025.

• Resolution 1082: amendment to the 2026‑2031 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP)
• Agreement with Brown & Caldwell, Inc. for NPDES Phase II stormwater services, not to exceed $207,186
• Agreement with Skagit County Regional Fire Authority for access to Absolute Mobile Wireless
• Agreement with TRICO Companies, LLC for Public Works Maintenance Shop canopy enclosure and dry flood‑proofing (REBID 2025‑ITB‑010)
• Resolution 1083 allocating HB1590 Affordable Housing and Related Services funds for 2025

The council approved the 2025 HB1590 affordable housing grant awards totaling $1,199,995. It also adopted the 2026‑2031 Transportation Improvement Program amendment and approved agreements for mobile wireless access with two fire agencies, a public‑works canopy project, payroll and claim payments. All items passed unanimously.

• Approved 2025 HB1590 affordable housing grant awards ($1,199,995) – vote 6-0
• Approved 2026‑2031 Transportation Improvement Program amendment (Resolution 1082) – vote 6-0
• Approved agreement with Skagit Regional Fire Authority for Mobile Wireless Management System access – vote 6-0
• Approved agreement with Skagit County Fire District 9 for Mobile Wireless Management System access – vote 6-0
• Approved agreement with TRICO Companies, LLC for Public Works Maintenance Shop canopy enclosure and dry flood proofing ($326,043.14) – vote 6-0
• Approved September 10, 2025 regular council meeting minutes – vote 6-0
• Approved September 19, 2025 payroll checks and wire transfers totaling $1,670,538.94 – vote 6-0
• Approved September 24, 2025 claims totaling $727,506.69 – vote 6-0

City Council Committee Agendas

The Finance and Parks & Recreation Committee will meet to review parks project updates and recreation programs. The committee will also discuss council code and procedures.

• Approval of August 27, 2025, minutes
• Parks project updates
• Fall and winter recreation programs
• Council code and procedures

The council adopted a restructuring that combines six committees into four and sets mandatory quorum rules. It approved virtual‑participation protocols requiring a 5 pm notification deadline on the last business day before a meeting. Public‑comment rules were changed to a three‑minute limit and ambiguous decorum language was removed. Staff were tasked with updating agenda deadlines and recording executive‑session purposes.

• Consolidated six committees into four with quorum requirements
• Combined Finance and Parks meetings to the third Wednesday each month
• Integrated Public Works and Library meetings to the second Wednesday each month
• Set virtual‑participation notification deadline to 5 pm on the last business day before a meeting
• Reduced individual public‑comment time to three minutes
• Removed ambiguous decorum language, keeping only disruption‑based enforcement
• City Clerk to implement agenda request deadline of Monday before council meetings
• City Clerk to record executive‑session purposes as required by state law

City Council

The City Council study session scheduled for September 17, 2025, has been cancelled. No agenda items will be considered at that meeting. A Finance and Parks and Recreation Committee meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. on the same day.

Planning Commission

The Mount Vernon Planning Commission will hold an open record public hearing on the 2026-2031 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and discuss changes to design standards and housing regulations. The CIP outlines a total estimated expenditure of $129,594,000 across various city departments.

• Public hearing on 2026-2031 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP)
• Discussion on changes to design standards regulations
• Discussion on high density multi-family housing in C-2 zoning district
• Discussion on missing middle housing types and density
• CIP total estimated expenditures: $129,594,000

Comp. Plan Citizen Advisory Committee

The Citizen Advisory Committee will finish reviewing the Missing Middle design standards and will consider draft amendments that add high‑density multi‑family housing to the C‑2 zoning district. The committee will also discuss proposed changes to middle‑housing types and density, including new design standards for landscaping, unit articulation, open space, and garage setbacks. All items are presented by City staff and the OTAK group.

• Complete Missing Middle Design Standards Review (continued from 9/02/2025)
• Draft code amendments to permit high‑density multi‑family housing in the C‑2 zoning district
• Draft code amendments for middle‑housing types and density
• Design standards updates: front‑door orientation, transparency, landscaping, unit articulation, minimum usable open space, garage, carport, and driveway standards
• Presentations by City Development Services staff and OTAK

Library Board

The Library Board will review budget reports, statistics, and operational updates. The board may take action regarding a withdrawal re-direct request.

• Withdrawal re-direct request discussion and potential action
• Budget reports
• Statistics discussion
• Director's operations update

The Library Board approved the minutes from the August 14, 2025 meeting after a correction. The board also approved the Outreach Librarian's request to redirect withdrawn materials from the children’s and young adult Spanish collections to the CCS Farmworker Center and Triumph Teen Life Center. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Approved August 14, 2025 meeting minutes with correction
• Approved redirect of withdrawn children’s Spanish books to CCS Farmworker Center
• Approved redirect of withdrawn young adult Spanish books to Triumph Teen Life Center

City Council Committee Agendas

The Public Works and Library Committee will approve the August 13, 2025 meeting minutes. It will discuss funding for HB1590 and provide updates on library operations, surface water utility projects, and transportation improvements. Specific items include a drilling project at Skagit Highlands, a professional services agreement with Brown and Caldwell, and Riverside Drive Improvement Projects 1 and 2. The committee will also consider agenda requests and miscellaneous items.

• Approval of August 13, 2025 minutes
• HB1590 funding discussion
• Brown and Caldwell professional services agreement
• Skagit Highlands drilling project
• Riverside Drive Improvement Projects 1 and 2

The Public Works and Library Committee discussed the 1590 Housing & Services funding strategy, library program updates, and Riverside Drive improvement plans. Action items were assigned for staff to finalize funding worksheets and coordinate investments. No approvals, denials, or votes were documented.

City Council

The Mount Vernon City Council will hold a public hearing and consider adopting Ordinance 3918 to renew interim accessory dwelling unit regulations. It will also consider Ordinance 3919 to re‑establish interim off‑street parking regulations. The council will vote on the 2025‑2027 Police Command Guild collective bargaining agreement. A presentation on potential sharing of opioid settlement funds will be discussed with no action required.

• Approval of payroll checks and wire transfers totaling $1,264,525.75
• Approval of claims totaling $1,218,160.97
• Public hearing and adoption of Ordinance 3918 to renew ADU interim regulations
• Approval of Ordinance 3919 to re‑establish interim off‑street parking regulations
• Approval of the 2025‑2027 Police Command Guild collective bargaining agreement

The City Council unanimously approved the renewal of interim ADU regulations (Ordinance 3918). It also re‑established off‑street parking rules (Ordinance 3919) and approved the 2025‑2027 Police Command Guild collective bargaining agreement. Several contract amendments and a park restroom restoration agreement were approved, each with a 6‑0 vote.

• Renewed interim ADU regulations with Ordinance 3918 (6-0)
• Re‑established off‑street parking regulations with Ordinance 3919 (6-0)
• Approved 2025‑2027 Police Command Guild collective bargaining agreement (6-0)
• Approved Amendment No. 4 to Agreement 4525 with David Evans & Associates, $119,675 (6-0)
• Approved Amendment No. 3 to Agreement 4460 with Wilson Engineering LLC, $14,942 (6-0)
• Approved agreement with Scott Wall Construction for Bakerview Park Restroom Restoration, $74,233.70 (6-0)
• Approved payroll checks and wire transfers totaling $1,264,525.75 and claims totaling $1,218,160.97 (6-0)
• Approved consent agenda items A‑C, including meeting minutes (6-0)

City Council Committee Agendas

The Public Safety Committee will meet to review police and legal updates. Discussions include the K-9 unit, a pet chipping ordinance, and HB1590 funding.

• K-9 Unit discussion
• Pet Chipping Ordinance overview
• HB1590 funding discussion

The Public Safety Committee approved the August 6, 2025 meeting minutes with a 7‑0 vote. No other actions were adopted; the K‑9 unit proposal, pet‑chipping ordinance update, and HB1590 funding requests were discussed but left for future consideration.

• Approved August 6, 2025 minutes (7-0)

City Council

The Mount Vernon City Council Study Session scheduled for September 3, 2025, at the Police/Court Campus (1805 Continental Place) was cancelled. Instead, a Public Safety Committee meeting will occur at 6 p.m. on the same day.

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will review draft minutes from the August 26 meeting and hold a joint session with the Citizen Advisory Committee to discuss middle housing and C-2 zoning.

• Review draft minutes from August 26, 2025
• Joint meeting with Citizen Advisory Committee
• Discussion on middle housing code updates
• Discussion on C-2 zoning code updates

Comp. Plan Citizen Advisory Committee

The Citizen Advisory Committee is meeting for a joint session with the Planning Commission. The body will discuss continuing code updates regarding middle housing and C-2 zoning.

• Discussion on middle housing code updates
• Discussion on C-2 code updates

City Council Committee Agendas

The committee will discuss HB2015 sales tax and conduct an annual review of fiscal policy. Members will also review summer and upcoming fall programs and parks projects. The agenda includes a discussion on cyber security.

• HB2015 Sales Tax discussion
• Fiscal Policy Annual Review
• Review of Summer and upcoming Fall programs
• Parks Projects review
• Cyber Security discussion

The Finance & Parks and Recreation Committee approved its July 23, 2025 minutes with a 7‑0 vote. Council members discussed a possible 0.1% sales‑tax increase for criminal‑justice funding and reviewed the city’s fiscal policy. The committee postponed consideration of upcoming fall programs and park projects until September 17.

• Approved July 23, 2025 Finance & Parks and Recreation Committee minutes (7-0)
• Postponed Upcoming Fall Programs to September 17
• Postponed Parks Projects to September 17

City Council

The Mount Vernon City Council will meet on August 27, 2025, to decide on several key items, including Ordinance 3916 to adjust police lieutenant compensation and benefits for equity, and a franchise agreement with Puget Sound Energy (PSE). The meeting will also discuss approvals of various contracts, resolutions, and agreements, as well as community comments and reports from committees.

• Approval of Ordinance 3916 – Police Lieutenant Compensation and Benefits ($retroactive adjustments)
• Approval of Ordinance – Puget Sound Energy (PSE) Franchise Agreement
• Approval of Resolution 1081 – Sale or Surplus of Vehicles and Equipment
• Approval of Agreement – Mary Iverson (mural art Tromp-l’-oeil on downtown building)
• Approval of Agreement – Opioid Settlement

The council moved a new‑business item to the end of the agenda (7‑0) and then approved the entire consent agenda, which included payroll, claims and several agreements (7‑0). It adopted Ordinance 3917, the Puget Sound Energy franchise agreement for city rights‑of‑way (7‑0). The council also authorized the sale of a 2011 Ford F450 ambulance and approved a $20,000 mural contract for 608 S. 1st Street, each passing 7‑0.

• Moved New Business Item A to end of agenda – 7‑0
• Approved consent agenda items A‑J (minutes, payroll, claims, ordinance 3916, agreements, resolution 1080, etc.) – 7‑0
• Approved Puget Sound Energy franchise agreement (Ordinance 3917) – 7‑0
• Approved Resolution 1081 authorizing sale of 2011 Ford F450 ambulance – 7‑0
• Approved $20,000 mural art agreement with Mary Iverson for 608 S. 1st Street – 7‑0

Planning Commission

The Mount Vernon Planning Commission will discuss preliminary draft zoning map changes and multiple code updates, including Tier 2 and C-2 regulatory changes. The meeting will also include a joint discussion with the Citizen Advisory Committee on infrastructure capacity and the ability to serve density throughout the city.

• Preliminary draft recommended zoning map changes
• Tier 2 code updates (dimensional/bulk and design standards)
• C-2 code updates (ground floor uses and design standards)
• Joint meeting with Citizen Advisory Committee on infrastructure and density capacity
• Public comment period for unlisted items

The Planning Commission approved the minutes from the August 19 meeting and adopted the consent agenda, with both motions passing. Commissioners discussed infrastructure capacity, middle‑housing zoning, and code updates, but no formal actions on those items were taken. The meeting adjourned at 8:10 p.m.

• Approved previous meeting minutes (motion passed)
• Approved consent agenda (motion passed)

Comp. Plan Citizen Advisory Committee

The Mount Vernon Comp. Plan Citizen Advisory Committee will meet with the Planning Commission to review infrastructure capacity and present preliminary draft zoning map changes. The group will also discuss Tier 2 and C-2 code updates regarding dimensional and design standards.

• Review of infrastructure and levels of service
• Present preliminary draft recommended zoning map changes
• Discuss Tier 2 Code updates
• Discuss C-2 Code updates
• Joint meeting with Planning Commission

City Council Committee Agendas

The Development Services Committee will meet to review project metrics and the Comprehensive Plan update. The body will also hear a presentation on traffic impact fees and a CHIP application request from Community Action of Skagit County.

• Traffic Impact Fees presentation
• Comprehensive Plan Update
• Community Action of Skagit County CHIP Application Request

On August 20, 2025 the Development Services Committee met and approved the July 16, 2025 committee minutes. Councilmember Tercero moved to approve, Councilmember Carías seconded, and the motion carried unanimously 7‑0. The remainder of the meeting consisted of project updates, fee discussions, and agenda requests, but no further actions were taken.

• Approved July 16, 2025 committee minutes (7-0 vote)

City Council

The City Council Study Session scheduled for August 20, 2025, has been cancelled. A Development Services Committee meeting will take place at 6 p.m. instead.

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will hold a joint meeting with the Citizen Advisory Committee. The body will review comments received regarding goals and policies for the Land Use, Housing, and Economic Development elements.

• Summary of comments on Goals and Policies for Land Use and Housing Elements
• Summary of comments on Goals and Policies for Economic Development Land Use and Housing Element
• Review of items for the August 26, 2025 meeting

The commission voted to approve the July 29, 2025 meeting minutes. They also approved the consent agenda. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Approved July 29, 2025 minutes (motion passed)
• Approved consent agenda (motion passed)

Comp. Plan Citizen Advisory Committee

The Citizen Advisory Committee is holding a joint meeting with the Planning Commission. The body will conduct a summary and roundtable of comments regarding the Land Use, Housing, and Economic Development elements of the Comprehensive Plan.

• Roundtable of comments on Goals and Policies for Land Use and Housing Elements
• Roundtable of comments on Goals and Policies for the Economic Development Element

Library Board

The Library Board will meet to review budget reports, statistics, and operational updates. The agenda consists primarily of reports and general discussion.

• Approval of July 10th, 2025 minutes
• Budget reports
• Incident reports, waivers, and surplus material
• Facility and program updates

The Library Board approved the minutes from the July 10, 2025 meeting. No other actions or motions were recorded. The meeting was adjourned at 7:37 P.M.

• Approved July 10, 2025 Board meeting minutes

City Council Committee Agendas

The Public Works and Library Committee will review minutes from the July 9 meeting, receive updates on library programs and kitchen/conference room renovations, and hear detailed reports on multiple transportation and surface water utility projects. No formal decisions are listed on this agenda.

• Library kitchen/conference room update
• LaVenture Road Widening project update
• Division Street/SR536 Bridge Painting project update
• 2025 Pavement Preservation and Street Overlay projects
• Kulshan Trail Safety Lighting Phases 2 & 4 update

The Public Works and Library Committee approved the July 9, 2025 committee minutes with a 7‑0 vote. The meeting also included updates on library projects, transportation projects, surface water utility work, and upcoming agenda items, but no additional actions were voted on.

• Approved July 9, 2025 committee minutes (7-0)

City Council

The City Council will discuss a memorandum of understanding to allow pallet homes at First United Methodist Church. The body is also considering several infrastructure agreements and a first reading of an ordinance to replace the Puget Sound Energy franchise agreement.

• MOU with First United Methodist Church of Mount Vernon for pallet homes
• Ordinance first read for Puget Sound Energy (PSE) Franchise
• Agreement with Perteet, Inc. for 2025 Street Overlay Project
• Agreement with HDR Engineering, Inc. for Park Street Pump Station Project
• Payroll and claims approvals totaling $2,514,718.38

The Mount Vernon City Council approved a memorandum of understanding authorizing a temporary homeless encampment with pallet homes (5-0). It also approved several infrastructure agreements, including contracts for Little Mountain Park, pavement preservation, street overlay, and pump station design, with vote totals ranging from 5-0 to 6-0.

• Approved MOU for temporary homeless encampment with pallet homes (5-0)
• Approved $25,230.99 roof and gutter contract for Little Mountain Park (6-0)
• Approved $7,500 amendment to Coffman Engineers agreement for Bakerview Restroom Renovation (6-0)
• Approved street closure on Leanne Street for block party (6-0)
• Approved $134,018 agreement with Applied Pavement Technology for 2025 Pavement Preservation Plan Update (6-0)
• Approved $267,789 agreement with Perteet Engineering for 2025 Street Overlay Project (6-0)
• Approved $566,355 agreement with HDR Engineering for Park Street Pump Station design (5-0)
• Approved $101,900 amendment to Associated Earth Sciences agreement for Skagit Highlands Pond work (5-0)

City Council Committee Agendas

The Public Safety Committee will review reports from the Fire and Police Chiefs regarding July 4th activities. The committee will also discuss proposed municipal code amendments concerning e-bikes, scooters, and City Council procedures.

• Municipal code amendments for e-bikes and scooters
• Municipal code amendments for City Council procedures
• July 4th preparation and response report from Chief Harris
• July 4th presentation from Chief Christman

The Public Safety Committee approved the June 4, 2025 minutes with a 6‑0 vote. Other agenda items, including fireworks safety, e‑bike regulations, and police lieutenant salary adjustments, were discussed but no votes or formal approvals were recorded.

• Approved June 4, 2025 minutes (6-0)

City Council

The City Council Study Session scheduled for August 6, 2025, is cancelled. A Public Safety Committee meeting will be held at 6 p.m. instead.

• Cancellation of Study Session
• Public Safety Committee meeting at 6 p.m.

Comp. Plan Citizen Advisory Committee

The Citizen Advisory Committee and Planning Commission will hold a joint meeting to discuss housing strategies. The group will review middle and STEP housing and discuss integrating multi-family housing into the General Commercial (C-2) zoning district.

• Presentation and discussion on middle and STEP housing
• Review of multi-family housing options for the General Commercial (C-2) zoning district
• Review of updated meeting schedule
• Request for comments on the Economic Development Element due by 08/08/2025

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission is holding a joint meeting with the Citizen Advisory Committee. The body will discuss middle and STEP housing and review options for multi-family housing in the General Commercial (C-2) zoning district.

• Roundtable comments on middle and STEP housing
• Discussion on integrating multi-family housing into the General Commercial (C-2) zoning district
• Review of comments on Goals and Policies for Land Use and Housing Elements
• Request for comments on the Economic Development Element due by 08/08/2025

The commission approved the consent agenda. The commission voted to postpone agenda item 6, which concerned options for integrating multi‑family housing into the General Commercial (C‑2) zoning district, to the next meeting.

• Approved consent agenda (motion passed)
• Postponed agenda item 6 on multi‑family housing integration to next meeting (motion approved)

City Council Committee Agendas

The Finance & Parks & Enrichment Services Committee is meeting to review resolutions regarding a levy lid lift. The body will also receive updates on summer recreation, a mentoring program, and a recreation building remodel.

• Resolution for Title Change and Repeal of Resolution 1077 regarding Levy Lid Lift
• Resolution regarding Pros and Cons Committees for Levy Lid Lift
• Summer Recreation Programs updates
• Mentoring Program update
• Recreation Building Remodel update

The Finance & Parks and Enrichment Services Committee approved its June 25, 2025 minutes. Councilmember Hudson moved to approve, and Councilmember Tercero seconded. The motion carried with a 5‑0 vote. No other actions were decided at this meeting.

• Approved June 25, 2025 Finance & Parks and Enrichment Services Committee minutes (5-0)

City Council

The City Council will hold a mandatory public hearing to decide on renewing a moratorium on permits for Battery Energy Storage Systems. The body is also considering a property tax levy increase for parks and public safety.

• Public hearing on Ordinance 3915 to renew the Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) permit moratorium
• Resolution 1078 to increase property tax levy for Parks and Public Safety
• Resolution 1079 to form Levy Lid Lift Pro and Con Committees
• Bid award and agreement with Highline Construction, Inc. for the remodel of 315 Snoqualmie Street
• Cell tower lease agreement with Island County Emergency Service Center (I-COM 911)

The council adopted Ordinance 3915 extending the battery energy storage systems permit moratorium (5‑1). It approved street‑closure requests, a property‑tax levy lid‑lift proposition for the November 4, 2025 general election, and related committees. Agreements were approved for a cell‑tower lease with I‑COM 911 and for remodeling 315 Snoqualmie Street by Highline Construction. All items were voted on and adopted.

• Adopted Ordinance 3915 continuing the BESS permit moratorium (5-1)
• Approved street‑closure requests for Temperate Habits, Hoop for the Valley, and North 7th St (6-0)
• Approved Resolution 1078 placing a property‑tax levy lid‑lift proposition on the Nov 4, 2025 ballot, setting a maximum rate of $2.2537 per $1,000 assessed value (6-0)
• Approved Resolution 1079 appointing Danny Pickering, Mark Hulst, and Mike Luvera to the Levy Lid Lift Pro Committee (6-0)
• Approved an agreement with I‑COM 911 for a cell‑tower lease option, allowing a 30‑foot extension on the Little Mountain tower (6-0)
• Approved an agreement with Highline Construction, Inc. to remodel 315 Snoqualmie Street for $246,594.11 (5-1)

City Council

The City Council Study Session scheduled for July 16, 2025, is cancelled. A Development Services Committee meeting will be held at 6 p.m. instead.

City Council Committee Agendas

The Development Services Committee will review updates to the Comprehensive Plan, specifically regarding land use and housing goals. Members will also discuss battery energy storage systems and proposed amendments to the municipal code.

• Battery Energy Storage Systems discussion
• Comprehensive Plan update regarding housing and land use goals
• Proposed Municipal Code Amendments discussion
• Review of June Citizen Advisory Committee/Planning Commission meeting

The Development Services Committee approved the June 18, 2025 committee minutes with a 6‑0 vote. Staff presented a monthly metrics report covering projects such as Mountain Gate, Highpoint Estates, and JJ Place Apartments, and noted a temporary occupancy permit will be issued to the YMCA. The committee discussed the upcoming 60‑day public hearing on Battery Energy Storage System permits and a possible ordinance to renew the temporary moratorium. The mayor indicated staff will propose a resolution to rename the levy lift proposition title.

• Approved June 18, 2025 committee minutes (6-0)

Civil Service Commission

The Commission is meeting to certify eligibility lists for several city positions. They will also consider requests to recruit for new leadership roles in the Fire Department and remove specific candidates from a police eligibility list.

• Certification of Firefighter/Paramedic eligibility list
• Authorization to recruit for Fire Captain and Battalion Chief
• Certification of Behavioral Health Case Manager and Senior Administrative Assistant lists
• Request to remove candidates PRS 25-005 and PRS 25-056 from the Records Specialist list

Comp. Plan Citizen Advisory Committee

The Citizen Advisory Committee and Planning Commission will hold a joint meeting to discuss housing density options. The body is reviewing how to integrate middle housing and multi-family units into city zoning to comply with state laws by December 31, 2025.

• Discussion of middle housing options for Single-Family residential zones (R-1 and RO)
• Review of options for multi-family housing in the General Commercial (C-2) zoning district
• Discussion of density requirements for multi-family zoning districts (R-2, R-3, and R-4)
• Review of state-mandated requirements for emergency shelters and supportive housing (STEP housing)
• Review of goals and policies for the Land Use Element

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission and Citizen Advisory Committee will discuss options for middle housing and multi-family housing in the General Commercial (C-2) district. The meeting aims to address state-mandated requirements for housing density and the integration of supportive housing for vulnerable populations.

• Discussion of middle housing options for R-1 and RO single-family zones
• Review of multi-family housing integration for General Commercial (C-2) zoning
• Discussion of density requirements for R-2, R-3, and R-4 multi-family districts
• Review of state requirements for emergency shelters and supportive housing (STEP housing)
• Review of draft Goals and Policies for the Housing Element

Library Board

The Library Board will review budget reports, statistics, and operational updates. The board is scheduled to discuss and potentially take action on goals for the Teen Room.

• Discussion and potential action on Teen Room Goals
• Review of Budget Reports
• Review of Statistics
• Director's report on program and general operations

The board approved the June 12, 2025 meeting minutes after a correction was made. The board edited the teen room rules, approved posting them, and directed staff to add a consequence‑escalation process, video‑game time limits, and to report back at the next meeting. No other formal actions were taken.

• Approved June 12, 2025 Board meeting minutes (with correction)
• Approved edited teen room rules and instructed staff to implement consequence escalation and video‑game time limits

City Council Committee Agendas

The Public Works and Library Committee will discuss a planning study for the Division Street/SR536 Bridge. The body will also review surface water utility agreements and operational updates for the library.

• Division Street/SR536 Bridge Planning Study Proposal
• Washington Conservation Corp Agreement Amendment
• Cingular Wireless (AT&T) Fire Station 2 Site Lease
• Mount Vernon Library Commons Project Update
• Community Room Rates for the library

The committee approved the June 11, 2025 meeting minutes with a unanimous 7‑0 vote. They also moved a discussion of the proposed property‑tax levy lift to the top of the agenda, also by a 7‑0 vote. Two items were removed from the agenda: the Washington Conservation Corp agreement amendment and the AT&T Fire Station 2 site lease.

• Approved June 11, 2025 committee minutes (7‑0)
• Added Property Tax Levy Lid Lift discussion to agenda top (7‑0)
• Removed Washington Conservation Corp Agreement Amendment item
• Removed New Cingular Wireless (AT&T) Fire Station 2 Site Lease item

City Council

The City Council will discuss a resolution to place a General Election Proposition on the ballot to increase property tax levies. The body is also deciding on several infrastructure contracts and a public hearing for a waiver on Woodland Drive.

• Resolution 1077: Proposed property tax levy increase for Parks and Public Safety
• LaVenture Road Widening Project: Bid award and agreement with Interwest Construction, Inc.
• Infrastructure Waiver ENGR25-0132: Public hearing for Woodland Drive
• Payroll and claims approvals totaling $3,195,093.15
• Agreement with Washington Conservation Corp for drainage facility vegetation maintenance

The council approved its consent agenda items B–E, including June 25 minutes, payroll checks totaling $1,534,901.55, claims of $1,660,191.60, and an agreement with New Cingular Wireless, by a 7‑0 vote. It also approved an infrastructure waiver (Resolution 1076) and an art donation agreement, each 7‑0. The most consequential action was the 6‑1 approval of Resolution 1077 to place a property‑tax levy lid lift on the Nov. 4, 2025 ballot to fund parks and public‑safety services. Additional approvals included a $24,640 amendment for vegetation maintenance and an $867,530,90 road‑widening contract, both 7‑0.

• Approved consent agenda items B–E (June 25 minutes, payroll $1,534,901.55, claims $1,660,191.60, New Cingular Wireless agreement) – vote 7‑0
• Approved Infrastructure Waiver Resolution 1076 – vote 7‑0
• Approved art donation agreement with Melissa Johnson – vote 7‑0
• Approved property‑tax levy lid lift Proposition (Resolution 1077) – vote 6‑1
• Approved Amendment No. 1 to Agreement 4713 with Washington Conservation Corp, $24,640 – vote 7‑0
• Approved bid award and agreement with Interwest Construction, Inc. for LaVenture Road widening, $867,530,90 – vote 7‑0

City Council

The City Council Study Session scheduled for July 2, 2025, is cancelled. The Public Safety Committee meeting is also cancelled.

City Council Committee Agendas

The Finance & Parks & Enrichment Services Committee will meet to continue discussions on a levy lift for parks and public safety. The body will also review a North County Public Defense agreement.

• Parks and Public Safety Levy Lift discussion
• North County Public Defense agreement

The Finance & Parks and Enrichment Services Committee approved the May 28, 2025 minutes (4-0). They discussed the Parks and Public Safety Levy Lid Lift, including funding scenarios for police and fire staffing, and the North County Public Defense Agreement, which includes a shared loan for start-up costs. No formal action was taken on these items; they were informational only.

• Approved May 28, 2025 committee minutes (4-0)

City Council

The City Council will discuss the 2026-2031 Transportation Improvements Program and a substantial amendment to the 2024-2025 Community Development Block Grant Annual Action Plan. The body is also reviewing several ARPA-funded project acceptances and a salary schedule amendment.

• Adoption of the 2026-2031 Transportation Improvements Program (TIP)
• Public hearing for 2024-2025 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Annual Action Plan amendment
• Ordinance 3914 to amend the 2025 Salary Schedule
• Project acceptance for Police Court Campus HVAC replacement ($127,826.80)
• Project acceptance for Police Campus fencing and gate ($164,977.80)

The council approved a series of items, all by unanimous 5‑0 votes. Highlights include adopting the 2026‑2031 Transportation Improvements Program and reallocating $50,000 in the CDBG Action Plan. Several agreements and ordinance changes were also approved, such as a $10,000 WSDOT supplement for Riverside Drive improvements and a new indigent defense contract.

• Approved agenda items A–J (project acceptances and RAMP Business Corp agreement) (5‑0)
• Approved amendment to the 2024‑2025 CDBG Action Plan reallocating $50,000 (5‑0)
• Approved Resolution 1073 authorizing sale or surplus of city vehicles and equipment (5‑0)
• Approved Ordinance 3914 amending the 2025 Non‑Represented Salary Schedule (5‑0)
• Approved Resolution 1074 adopting the 2026‑2031 Transportation Improvements Program (5‑0)
• Approved $10,000 WSDOT agreement supplement for Riverside Drive Improvements‑1 (5‑0)
• Approved $10,000 WSDOT agreement supplement for Riverside Drive Improvements‑2 (5‑0)
• Approved agreement with North County Public Defense for indigent defense services (5‑0)

City Council

The City Council Study Session scheduled for June 18, 2025, is cancelled. A Development Services Committee meeting will be held at 6 p.m. instead.

City Council Committee Agendas

The committee will discuss updates to the city's Comprehensive Plan, including land use goals and policies. Members will also review agreements with the Washington State Department of Commerce and a Memorandum of Understanding regarding Welcome Home Skagit/First United Methodist Church.

• Comprehensive Plan land use goals and policies
• Washington State Department of Commerce agreements
• Memorandum of Understanding for Welcome Home Skagit/First United Methodist Church
• Building project updates

The Development Services Committee approved the May 21, 2025 committee minutes with a unanimous 5‑0 vote. No other actions were formally approved, denied, or tabled during the meeting.

• Approved May 21, 2025 committee minutes (5-0)

Civil Service Commission

The Commission is considering requests to update eligibility lists for the Fire and Police departments. This includes authorizations to recruit for new positions and decertify outdated lists.

• Request to de-certify current firefighter list and establish a new eligibility list
• Request to certify the Parking Enforcement Officer Eligibility List
• Request to de-certify current Snr. Administrative Assistant List and conduct internal recruitment
• Request to conduct recruitment and establish an eligibility list for Evidence Technician

Comp. Plan Citizen Advisory Committee

The Citizen Advisory Committee is meeting to discuss the Comprehensive Plan update, including new schedules for the Housing Accelerator. The body will review draft goals and policies for the Land Use Element and conduct a visioning exercise.

• Review of Draft #1 Land Use Element Goals and Policies
• Discussion of New Phase I and Phase II Schedules for the Comprehensive Plan (Housing Accelerator Schedule)
• Implementation of Public Participation Plan
• Visioning exercise results review with the Planning Commission

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will review schedules for the Comprehensive Plan Housing Accelerator and discuss the implementation of a Public Participation Plan. The body will also review updated goals and policies for the Land Use Element and evaluate results from visioning exercises.

• Presentation on Phase I and Phase II schedules for the Comprehensive Plan (Housing Accelerator Schedule)
• Discussion on the implementation of the Public Participation Plan
• Review of updated Goals and Policies for the Land Use Element
• Review of visioning exercise results with the Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC)

Library Board

The Mount Vernon Library Board will review budget reports, statistics, and operational updates. The board may take action on edits to the Code of Conduct.

• Discussion and potential action on Code of Conduct edits
• Budget reports
• Operations update including kitchen review and summer reading

The Library Board approved the minutes from the May 15, 2025 meeting. It also reviewed and approved edits to the Code of Conduct and the Youth Services Policy. No other formal actions were taken.

• Approved May 15, 2025 Board meeting minutes
• Approved edits to the Code of Conduct and Youth Services Policy

City Council

The City Council will hold a public hearing regarding the 2026–2031 Transportation Improvement Program. The body is also considering project acceptance for curb ramp improvements and contract amendments for the Library Commons Project.

• Public hearing for the 2026–2031 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP)
• Project acceptance for TRICO Companies, LLC regarding the 2024 Curb Ramp Improvements Project
• Agreement Amendment No. 9 with HKP Architects, PLLC for the Library Commons Project
• Agreement Amendment No. 5 with OAC Services, Inc. for the Library Commons Project
• Approval of payroll and claims totaling $2,192,126.01

The Mount Vernon City Council approved the minutes from May 28, 2025, and authorized payroll and claim payments totaling $2.19 million. It also approved a new agreement with the North County Public Defense and two amendments for additional services on the Library Commons Project, totaling $143,624.85. All motions passed unanimously (5‑0).

• Approved May 28, 2025 Special Meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved May 28, 2025 Regular Council Meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved payroll and wire transfers totaling $1,288,664.80 (unanimous)
• Approved claims payments totaling $903,461.21 (unanimous)
• Approved North County Public Defense agreement (5‑0)
• Approved Amendment No. 9 to Agreement 4017 with HKP Architects for $50,128.75 (5‑0)
• Approved Amendment No. 5 to Agreement 4199 with OAC Services for $93,496.10 (5‑0)

City Council Committee Agendas

The Public Works and Library Committee will discuss updates for the Library Commons and various infrastructure projects. The meeting includes reviews of library kitchen rates and surface water utility maintenance. Transportation updates will cover road widening and pavement preservation.

• Review of Library Commons next steps and kitchen rates
• Little Mountain Cell Tower and Park Street Pump Station updates
• Laventure Road Widening project update
• Riverside Improvements 1 & 2 and 30th Street Improvements Design
• ADA Transition Plan Update

The Public Works and Library Committee approved the May 14, 2025 committee minutes by a 5‑0 vote. The meeting also reviewed library projects, surface‑water utility updates, and transportation project statuses, but no additional actions were decided.

• Approved May 14, 2025 committee minutes (5-0)

City Council

The City Council will attend a joint meeting with the North Star City Councils, Mayors, and Skagit County Commissioners. The body will discuss regional collaboration, formal partnership agreements, and the alignment of Opioid Settlement funds.

• Discussion on revisiting a formal partnership agreement for the North Star initiative
• Review of Opioid Settlement funds and opportunities for joint investment
• Session on Washington Growth Management Act (GMA) updates and housing accessibility
• Presentation on homelessness and housing structural factors by Gregg Colburn
• Discussion on methamphetamine and fentanyl trends in the opioid crisis

Mayors and councilmembers from Mount Vernon, Anacortes, Burlington, Sedro‑Woolley and Skagit County met to review the North Star initiative and explore a regional partnership on homelessness and behavioral health. Participants shared highlights, challenges, and funding considerations, and expressed general support for continued collaboration. The group agreed to keep discussing the partnership and related funding, but no formal decisions or votes were recorded.

City Council

The City Council will attend a joint meeting with the North Star City Councils, Mayors, and Skagit County Commissioners. The body will discuss regional collaboration, formal partnership agreements, and the alignment of Opioid Settlement funds.

• Discussion on revisiting a formal partnership agreement for the North Star initiative
• Review of Opioid Settlement funds and potential for joint investment
• Presentation on Growth Management Act (GMA) updates and housing accessibility
• Discussion on homelessness and housing structural factors
• Session on methamphetamine and fentanyl trends in the opioid crisis

The special joint session of Skagit County and the four cities reviewed the North Star initiative and explored options for a formal partnership to address homelessness and behavioral health. Participants shared highlights and challenges, expressed general support for amending the 2006 Interlocal Agreement, and agreed to continue discussions on funding and partnership details. No formal approvals, denials, or votes were recorded.

City Council

The City Council Study Session scheduled for June 4, 2025, is cancelled. A Public Safety Committee meeting will be held at 6 p.m. instead.

• Cancellation of City Council Study Session
• Public Safety Committee meeting at 6 p.m.

City Council Committee Agendas

The Public Safety Committee discussed staffing increases for police and fire services and evaluated several new tax-based revenue options. The body also reviewed the potential financial impact of new state public defense caseload standards.

• Decision to renovate the old library building and convert the current Public Works building into rental property
• Discussion of a $14,905 HB1168 grant for fire tools and a portable pump kit
• Proposed hiring of 6 to 9 new fire positions via a SAFER grant application
• Proposed plan to hire three additional police officers over the next three years
• Estimated increase in public defense costs from $562,620 annually to $2.7M by 2028

The council approved the May 7, 2025 meeting minutes with a 5-0 vote. It directed staff to move forward with Stokely Tower Option 3b, renovating the old library and converting the Public Works building into rental property. Council also agreed to let staff develop a six‑year plan for a Parks and Public Safety levy to be placed on the ballot.

• Approved May 7, 2025 minutes (5-0)
• Directed staff to proceed with Stokely Tower Option 3b renovation
• Agreed staff may develop six‑year plan for Parks and Public Safety levy ballot

City Council

The Mount Vernon City Council and Skagit County Commissioners are holding a joint meeting to review senior services. Skagit County Public Health will present the history of these services and recommendations for the future. The bodies will discuss current programming, location deficiencies, and ways to improve services.

• Presentation by Skagit County Public Health on senior services history and future vision
• Discussion on deficiencies of the current senior services location

The council and Skagit County commissioners heard a senior services overview from the county public health director. They discussed options for a new senior center, including land use, funding, and partnerships. The group reached consensus to request a site and land‑use study and a needs survey, and to reconvene to review the results.

• Request site and land‑use study and needs survey (consensus of council and commissioners)

City Council Committee Agendas

The Finance & Parks & Enrichment Services Committee will meet to discuss financial contracts and tax matters. The body will review job reclassifications and the Parks and Public Safety Levy.

• UKG Contract
• Parks and Public Safety Levy
• Business and Occupation Tax
• Job Reclassifications
• HB2015

The committee approved the April 23, 2025 Finance & Parks and Enrichment Services minutes unanimously (7‑0). Council agreed staff will continue working on a six‑year plan for a potential Parks and Public Safety levy lid lift, with a resolution to be submitted to the County Auditor by August 5, 2025. Council also directed staff to keep researching a possible increase to the business and occupation tax and report back before any decision is made. No other actions were taken.

• Approved April 23, 2025 committee minutes (7-0)
• Agreed staff will continue developing a 6‑year levy lid lift plan
• Agreed staff will continue research on a possible B&O tax increase

City Council

The City Council will discuss the draft 2026-2031 Transportation Improvement Program and receive an update on Skagit PUD projects. The body is also considering several service agreements and an ordinance to amend the 2025 salary schedule.

• Review of draft 2026-2031 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP)
• Ordinance 3912 to amend the 2025 Salary Schedule
• Agreement with Pacific Surveying and Engineering, Inc. for stormwater and wastewater utility parcel updates
• Agreement with UKG for Human Resources and Payroll software
• Amendment No. 3 with David Evans & Associates, Inc. for Carpenter Creek/Hickox Road Fish Passage Improvements Project

The council approved its agenda and a series of agreements, including a contract with Pacific Surveying and Engineering, a $45,668 amendment for a fish‑passage project, and a $301,522.50 agreement for UKG HR/payroll software. It also adopted Ordinance 3912 to reclassify two city positions and amend the 2025 salary schedule. Additionally, the council passed Ordinance 3913, declaring an emergency and imposing a moratorium on permits for battery energy storage systems. All motions passed unanimously except the emergency ordinance, which passed 6‑0.

• Approved agenda and consent items (7‑0)
• Approved Pacific Surveying and Engineering agreement to update stormwater and wastewater parcel data (7‑0)
• Approved Amendment No. 3 to HDR agreement for Carpenter Creek Hickox Road Fish Passage Improvements ($45,668) (7‑0)
• Approved UKG agreement for HR and payroll software ($301,522.50) (7‑0)
• Approved Ordinance 3912 reclassifying positions and amending the 2025 Salary Schedule (7‑0)
• Adopted Ordinance 3913 emergency declaration and moratorium on battery storage permits (6‑0)

City Council

The City Council Study Session scheduled for May 21, 2025, has been cancelled. A Development Services Committee meeting will be held at 6:00 p.m. instead.

City Council Committee Agendas

The Development Services Committee is meeting to discuss the city's Comprehensive Plan update, including land use goals and the vision statement. The committee will also review pre-approved building plans for Accessory Dwelling Units.

• Accessory Dwelling Unit Pre-Approved Building Plans
• Comprehensive Plan Update: Land Use Goals and Policies
• Comprehensive Plan Update: Vision Statement
• Comprehensive Plan Update: Appendices Updates

The committee approved the April 16, 2025 committee minutes with a 7‑0 vote. No other actions were approved, denied, or tabled during the meeting.

• Approved April 16, 2025 committee minutes (7‑0)

Civil Service Commission

The Civil Service Commission will meet to discuss personnel certifications for the Police Department. The body will consider eligibility lists for two specific roles.

• Certification of the Records Specialist Eligibility List
• Certification of the Nurse Practitioner Eligibility List

Planning Commission

The Citizen Advisory Committee and Planning Commission are holding joint and separate meetings to discuss the Comprehensive Plan update. The sessions will cover the plan's framework, community vision, and land use elements.

• Review of population, housing, and jobs demographics and target allocations
• Updates to the Comprehensive Plan Community Vision Statement
• Review of draft Land Use Element goal and policy updates
• Discussion on the purpose of the Comprehensive Plan and the CAC's role
• Approval of April 15, 2025, meeting minutes

Comp. Plan Citizen Advisory Committee

The Citizen Advisory Committee and Planning Commission are holding meetings to discuss the role of the CAC and the framework for updating the city's Comprehensive Plan. The joint session will cover demographics, the community vision statement, and draft land use goals.

• Review of population, housing, and jobs demographics and target allocations
• Updates to the Comprehensive Plan Community Vision Statement
• Review of draft Land Use Element goal and policy updates
• Discussion of the Comprehensive Plan outline and framework

Library Board

The Mount Vernon Library Board will hold a regular meeting with routine business including approval of minutes, public comment, and reports. Key discussions include a final construction update from the Director and a review of the Code of Conduct. The board will also consider incident reports, budget reports, and statistics.

• Final construction update for Mount Vernon Library Commons
• Code of Conduct review (potential action)
• Approval of minutes from April 3, 2025
• Incident Reports, Waivers & Surplus Material report
• Budget Reports and Statistics Discussion

The Library Board formally approved the minutes from the April 3, 2025 meeting. The board also proposed revisions to the Code of Conduct and Youth Services Policy and will send the drafts to staff for review before revisiting them at the next meeting.

• Approved April 3, 2025 Board meeting minutes (motion passed, seconded)
• Proposed changes to Code of Conduct and Youth Services Policy to be reviewed by staff

City Council

The Mount Vernon City Council will hold public hearings to consider setting fees for redacting body worn camera recordings (Resolution 1071) and to gather input on the 2025-2026 Community Development Block Grant Annual Action Plan. The council will also vote on a collective bargaining agreement with Teamsters Local 231, a street closure for the high school graduation parade, and several other agreements and resolutions including a sole-source wastewater equipment purchase. The consent agenda includes approval of minutes, payroll totaling $1,5266,968.16, claims of $1,839,473.99, and an interlocal agreement with Skagit County for an embedded social worker.

• Public hearing and approval of Resolution 1071 setting fees for redacting body worn camera recordings
• Second public hearing and approval of 2025-2026 CDBG Annual Action Plan
• Approval of 2025-2027 Collective Bargaining Agreement with General Teamsters Local Union No. 231
• Approval of Resolution 1072 authorizing sole-source purchase of wastewater utility plant equipment
• Approval of street closure for Mount Vernon High School Graduation Parade

The Mount Vernon City Council approved a series of items, each passing with a 4‑0 vote. Decisions included arts commission appointments, contract amendments, fee resolutions, the CDBG Action Plan, wastewater equipment purchase, HDR engineering amendment, a Teamsters collective bargaining agreement, and acceptance of SRV Construction work for the Freeway Drive Improvement Project.

• Approved Arts Commission appointments of Marin Thyrring and Samantha Irons (4-0)
• Approved amendment to agreement 3656 with Martin Marietta Materials (4-0)
• Approved Resolution 1071 allowing fees for redacting body‑worn camera recordings (4-0)
• Approved 2025‑2026 Community Development Block Grant Action Plan (4-0)
• Approved Resolution 1072 for $53,000 wastewater utility equipment purchase (4-0)
• Approved amendment to agreement 4456 with HDR Engineering for $62,536 (4-0)
• Approved 2025‑2027 General Teamsters Local Union No. 231 collective bargaining agreement (4-0)
• Accepted SRV Construction work on Freeway Drive Improvement Project for $1,983,345 (4-0)

City Council Committee Agendas

The committee will review the draft 2026-2031 Transportation Improvement Program package. Members will also receive updates on library operations and several public works projects.

• Draft 2026-2031 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP)
• Laventure Road Widening update
• Kulshan Trail Lighting – 3 update
• 2025 Street Overlay and Pavement Preservation Plan
• SR 536 Bridge and ARPA funded project updates

The committee approved the minutes from the April 9, 2025 meeting with a unanimous 4‑0 vote. No other actions or approvals were recorded; the remaining agenda items were informational updates on library and public works projects.

• Approved April 9, 2025 committee minutes (4-0)

City Council

The City Council Study Session scheduled for May 7, 2025, is cancelled. A Public Safety Committee meeting will be held at 6 p.m. instead.

• Cancellation of Study Session
• Public Safety Committee meeting at 6 p.m.

City Council Committee Agendas

The Public Safety Committee will approve minutes from April 2, 2025, and hear updates from Fire and Police department heads. No decisions or proposals with specific fiscal impacts are listed.

• Approval of April 2, 2025, meeting minutes
• Fire Department updates from Bryan Harris
• Police Department overview from Dan Christman
• Agenda requests and miscellaneous items

The Public Safety Committee approved the minutes from the April 2, 2025 meeting with a unanimous 6‑0 vote. No other actions were approved, denied, or tabled during the session.

• Approved April 2, 2025 minutes (6‑0)

City Council Committee Agendas

The Finance & Parks & Enrichment Services Committee will discuss the 2026 budget, city debt, and park projects including improvements at Bonnie Rae Park. They will also consider approving the March 26, 2025 committee minutes.

• Approval of March 26, 2025 committee minutes
• Park Projects Update from Parks & Enrichment Services
• Bonnie Rae Park improvements and programming update
• City Debt Update from Finance
• 2026 Budget Discussion

The council approved the minutes from the March 26, 2025 Finance & Parks and Enrichment Services Committee meeting. Councilmember Tercero moved to approve, Councilmember Beaton seconded, and the motion carried unanimously 7‑0. No other actions were taken; the remaining agenda items were informational updates and a discussion that will continue at a future meeting.

• Approved March 26, 2025 Finance & Parks and Enrichment Services Committee minutes (7-0)

City Council

The Mount Vernon City Council will hear a presentation on Skagit Transit's Long-Range Transit Plan, with no action required. They will also consider an agreement with Sean Gillespie for indigent defense appellate counsel, approve a street closure for the YMCA Oasis Teen Shelter grand opening on July 17, accept the 2024 Street Improvements Project from Granite Construction, and appoint members to the Citizen Advisory Committee on Land Use. The consent agenda includes approval of meeting minutes, payroll checks totaling $1,576,944.45, and claims totaling $3,543,684.48, along with an environmental covenant.

• Presentation of Skagit Transit Long-Range Transit Plan by consultant Sam Zimbabwe
• Approval of agreement with Sean Gillespie to provide Indigent Defense Appellate Counsel
• Street closure request for YMCA Oasis Teen Shelter grand opening on July 17, 2025
• Project acceptance of Granite Construction's 2024 Street Improvements Project
• Resolution 1070 appointing members of the Citizen Advisory Committee, Land Use

The council unanimously approved the consent agenda items, including the April 9 meeting minutes, payroll checks, claims, and an environmental covenant. It also approved an agreement with Sean Gillespie for indigent defense appellate counsel, a street closure for the YMCA Oasis Teen Center grand opening, acceptance of Granite Construction’s work on the 2024 Street Improvements Project, and the appointment of fourteen members to the Citizen Advisory Committee on Land Use.

• Approved consent agenda items (April 9 minutes, payroll checks, claims, environmental covenant) – vote 7-0
• Approved agreement with Sean Gillespie for indigent defense appellate conflict counsel services – vote 7-0
• Approved street closure on July 17, 2025 for YMCA Oasis Teen Center grand opening – vote 7-0
• Accepted Granite Construction’s work on the 2024 Street Improvements Project ($904,307.52) – vote 7-0
• Approved Resolution 1070 appointing fourteen members to the Citizen Advisory Committee, Land Use – vote 7-0

City Council Committee Agendas

The Development Services Committee will discuss the Comprehensive Plan updates, including C2 goals and policies on residential zoning and a growth/infill analysis. A presentation from Dike District 1 is scheduled, and follow-up information on Eaglemont Trip Generation and council comments on lot coverage, setback, and height limits will be reviewed. The committee will also interview applicants for the Citizen Advisory Committee.

• Dike District 1 presentation by Mike Elde and Jason Vander Kooy
• Comprehensive Plan updates: C2 Goals and Policy updates on Residential Zoning
• Growth/Infill analysis for the Comprehensive Plan
• Follow-up on Eaglemont Trip Generation
• Citizen Advisory Committee applicant review

The committee approved the March 19, 2025 meeting minutes with a unanimous 7‑0 vote. Staff presented a monthly metrics report and information on a homeless encampment application. Council members discussed lot coverage, setbacks, height limits, and future C‑2 zoning priorities, but no formal actions were taken on those topics. The meeting adjourned at 6:43 p.m.

• Approved March 19, 2025 committee minutes (7-0)

City Council

The Mount Vernon City Council will hold a public hearing and consider Ordinance 3912, which would repeal and replace Chapter 5.40 of the Municipal Code to prohibit landlords from requiring Social Security numbers from tenants or prospective tenants. Landlords would be required to accept alternative proof of financial eligibility, such as portable screening reports or other income documentation. The ordinance would take effect six months after adoption to allow time for public education.

• Public hearing on Ordinance 3912 repealing and replacing MVMC Chapter 5.40 Rental Housing
• Prohibition on landlords requiring Social Security numbers from tenants or applicants
• Requirement for landlords to accept alternative financial screening documents
• Ordinance effective six months after adoption
• Legislative record and index provided in support of the ordinance

Civil Service Commission

The Mount Vernon Civil Service Commission will vote on police department requests to certify an eligibility list for Senior Administrative Assistant and to authorize recruitment and eligibility lists for Nurse Practitioner, Behavioral Health Case Manager, and Parking Enforcement. No fire department business is scheduled. The meeting includes public comments and approval of prior minutes.

• Certification of Senior Administrative Assistant eligibility list
• Authorization to recruit and establish eligibility list for Nurse Practitioner
• Authorization to recruit and establish eligibility list for Behavioral Health Case Manager
• Authorization to recruit and establish eligibility list for Parking Enforcement
• Approval of March 19, 2025 meeting minutes

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will hold a workshop to identify priority locations for converting C-2 commercial zones into multi-family and mixed-use developments. The body will also review the Comprehensive Plan update work plan and discuss the impact of several state house bills on middle housing.

• Workshop on converting C-2 zones to multi-family/mixed-use housing (up to 7-8 stories)
• Overview of state legislation including HB 1110, 1337, 1096, and 1353
• Review of the Comprehensive Plan update work plan through December 2025
• Discussion on HB 1110 requirements and potential alternative compliance exemptions

The commission voted 4-0 to approve the consent agenda. No other motions were adopted, denied, or tabled. The meeting included presentations on state housing bills and a discussion of middle‑housing considerations, but no further decisions were recorded.

• Approved consent agenda (4-0)

City Council Committee Agendas

The Public Works and Library Committee will meet to approve prior minutes, discuss a 2025–2026 economic development grant, and receive updates on a fish passage project, stormwater management, and the 2026–2031 transportation program. No formal decisions are listed on this agenda.

• 2025–2026 Community and Economic Development Block Grant schedule and funding discussion
• Carpenter Creek/Hickox Road Fish Passage Improvement Project update
• 2024 Stormwater Annual Report & 2025 Management Program presentation
• 2026–2031 Transportation Improvement Program update with simplified prioritization criteria and project scoring matrix

The Public Works and Library Committee approved the March 12, 2025 committee minutes by a 4‑0 vote. Discussion of Transportation Improvement Program projects was postponed. No other formal actions were taken during the meeting.

• Approved March 12, 2025 committee minutes (4-0)
• Postponed discussion of Transportation Improvement Program projects

City Council

The Mount Vernon City Council will consider approving an agreement with Otak to develop an Environmental Impact Statement and Planned Action Ordinance for the Downtown Waterfront Master Planned Area. Other notable items include a WSDOT agreement for Kulshan Trail lighting design, a street closure for a Cinco de Mayo parade, and an update on Fire Station 1 Phase I. The consent agenda covers approval of meeting minutes, payroll and claims totaling $2,595,694.93, and several routine agreements.

• Approval of agreement with Otak for EIS and Planned Action Ordinance for Downtown Waterfront Master Planned Area
• Approval of WSDOT agreement for engineering design of Kulshan Trail Safety Lighting 3 Project
• Street closure request for Mount Vernon High School Cinco de Mayo parade on May 4, 2025
• Presentation on Fire Station 1 Project, Phase I (no action required)
• Consent agenda includes payroll $1,441,525.72 and claims $1,154,169.21

The Mount Vernon City Council approved an agreement with the Washington State Department of Transportation to fund engineering design of the Kulshan Trail Safety Lighting 3 Project for $55,000. The council also approved a $300,000 agreement with Otak to develop an Environmental Impact Statement and Planned Action Ordinance for the Downtown Waterfront Master Planned Area. Additionally, the council approved the closure of downtown streets on May 4 for the Mount Vernon High School Cinco de Mayo parade.

• Approved WSDOT engineering design agreement for Kulshan Trail Safety Lighting 3 Project ($55,000) – vote 6-0
• Approved street closure for Cinco de Mayo parade on May 4 – vote 6-0
• Approved Otak agreement for waterfront EIS and Planned Action Ordinance ($300,000) – vote 6-0
• Approved March 26, 2025 meeting minutes – vote 6-0
• Approved April 4, 2025 payroll and wire transfers totaling $1,441,525.72 – vote 6-0
• Approved April 9, 2025 claims totaling $1,154,169.21 – vote 6-0

Library Board

The Mount Vernon Library Board will meet to review a book challenge and the library's code of conduct. The board will also receive updates on construction and operations.

• Discussion and potential action on a book challenge
• Review of the Code of Conduct
• Construction and operations updates
• Budget reports

The board approved the March 13, 2025 meeting minutes after correcting two typos. The board also approved revisions to the bulletin‑board portion of the Use of Library Facility policy. The board agreed to revisit the broader Code of Conduct regarding children’s‑room usage at the next meeting.

• Approved March 13 minutes with corrections
• Approved bulletin‑board amendment to Use of Library Facility policy
• Decided to revisit Code of Conduct on children’s‑room usage at next meeting

City Council

The April 2, 2025, City Council study session has been cancelled. A Public Safety Committee meeting will be held in its place at 6 p.m. No items are being decided or discussed at the cancelled council meeting.

• Meeting cancelled; no agenda items for council action or discussion

City Council Committee Agendas

The Public Safety Committee will hear a report from Police Chief Dan Christman on crime in the Eaglemont area and an update from Fire Chief Bryan Harris and Mackenzie, Inc. on Fire Station 1 Phase I. The committee will also approve minutes from March 5, 2025.

• Police report on crime in and around Eaglemont
• Fire Station 1 Phase I update from Fire and Mackenzie, Inc.
• Approval of March 5, 2025 minutes

The Public Safety Committee approved the March 5, 2025 minutes with a 7‑0 vote. No other actions were formally approved, denied, or tabled. The committee discussed fire station design options, a community grant plan, and future items such as a tenant‑protection ordinance and a library change order, which will be considered at later meetings.

• Approved March 5, 2025 minutes (7-0)

City Council

The City Council will hold a public hearing to gather citizen input on community development needs for the 2025-2026 CDBG Action Plan. The body will also consider a request to close downtown streets for the 2025 Tulip Festival Street Fair.

• Public hearing for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Annual Action Plan
• Street closure request for the 2025 Tulip Festival Street Fair
• Agreement with Kastle Systems for virtual garage security monitoring at $4,456.70 per month
• Approval of payroll checks and wire transfers totaling $1,630,291.79
• Approval of claims totaling $1,786,169.63

The City Council approved the meeting agenda, payroll checks totaling $1,630,291.79, and claims totaling $1,786,169.63. The council also approved an agreement with Kastle Systems. A motion to close downtown streets for the Tulip Festival Street Fair was approved unanimously.

• Approved agenda as presented (no vote recorded)
• Approved payroll checks $1,630,291.79 (no vote recorded)
• Approved claims $1,786,169.63 (no vote recorded)
• Approved agreement with Kastle Systems (motion 7-0)
• Approved downtown street closure for Tulip Festival (April 17‑20, Cleveland Ave until April 21) (motion 7-0)

City Council Committee Agendas

The Mount Vernon Finance & Parks & Enrichment Services Committee will review minutes from February and discuss a financial update on investments, an additional contribution to the jail, and planning for the 2026 budget. The committee will also consider a purchase of a front-load commercial truck for solid waste services. Parks and enrichment staff will present updates on spring/summer programming and Arts Commission events.

• Jail additional financial contribution
• 2026 budget planning
• Solid waste front-load commercial truck purchase
• Spring/summer programming update
• Arts Commission events

Councilmember Hudson moved to approve the February 26, 2025 Finance & Parks and Enrichment Services Committee minutes, and Councilmember Carías seconded the motion. The motion carried 6‑0, so the minutes were approved. The committee also reviewed a $84,153 contribution to Skagit County’s Revenue Stabilization Account and a request to purchase a $471,880.03 solid‑waste truck, but no approval or vote on the truck request was recorded.

• Approved February 26, 2025 Finance & Parks minutes (6-0)

City Council

The City Council Study Session scheduled for March 19, 2025, has been cancelled. A Development Services Committee meeting will be held at 6 p.m. instead.

• Cancellation of the March 19, 2025, Study Session
• Development Services Committee meeting at 6 p.m.

City Council Committee Agendas

The Development Services Committee will discuss the Downtown Environmental Impact Statement/Planned Action Draft contract. The body will also review CDBG applications and receive presentations on specific infrastructure projects.

• Downtown Environmental Impact Statement/Planned Action Draft Contract
• Eaglemont PUD and Blackburn/Waugh Road TIP Projects presentation
• CDBG Applications Review
• Comprehensive Plan Land Capacity Analysis timeline update

The Development Services Committee approved the February 12, 2025 minutes by a 7‑0 vote. Council requested Dike District 17 to present in April and asked Districts 3 and 12 to be invited. Council asked staff to remove some items from the buildable‑lands GIS analysis to streamline the Comprehensive Plan update. The City decided to hire a nurse practitioner for indigent community services, using a $50,000 independent policy funded by affordable‑housing sales‑tax revenue.

• Approved February 12, 2025 committee minutes (7‑0)
• Requested Dike District 17 presentation in April
• Requested invitation of Dike Districts 3 and 12 to present
• Requested removal of items from buildable‑lands GIS analysis
• Decided to hire nurse practitioner for indigent services, funded by affordable‑housing sales‑tax revenue

Civil Service Commission

The Mount Vernon Civil Service Commission will decide on requests from the Fire Department to decertify the current Captain Eligibility List and to authorize new recruitment for Fire Captain and Battalion Chief. The Police Department also seeks authorization to recruit for a Records Specialist. The commission will also approve minutes from February 19, 2025, and take public comments.

• Request to decertify current Fire Captain Eligibility List
• Request to recruit for Fire Captain
• Request to recruit for Battalion Chief
• Request to recruit for Police Records Specialist
• Approval of minutes from February 19, 2025

Planning Commission

The Mount Vernon Planning Commission will discuss initial results of a community visioning survey and feedback from Community Meeting II, presented by Otak. They will also take up updates on HB 1110 and 1337 (state housing legislation) and the ADU work plan. No public hearings are scheduled; the meeting includes routine consent agenda and public comment.

• Otak report: initial results of visioning survey and Community Meeting II feedback
• Discussion of HB 1110 and 1337 (state housing bills)
• Update on ADU (accessory dwelling unit) Work Plan
• GIS data/mapping cleanup and start of Land Capacity Analysis

The Mount Vernon Planning Commission elected Commissioner Fikkert as Vice Chair and kept Orr as Chair. They reviewed initial results from the community visioning survey, which highlighted affordable housing, biking/walking infrastructure, and transit access as top priorities. The commission also discussed GIS data cleanup, HB 1110/1337 middle housing legislation, and an ADU work plan, but took no substantive votes on these items.

• Elected Fikkert as Vice Chair (5-0)
• Approved agenda modification to include officer election (5-0)

Library Board

The Mount Vernon Library Board will meet to review budget and statistics reports and receive construction and operations updates. The board may take action regarding a book challenge and the bulletin board policy.

• Discussion and potential action on a book challenge
• Discussion and potential action on Bulletin Board Policy
• Construction and operations updates from the Director
• Review of budget reports

The Mount Vernon Library Board approved the February minutes and reviewed reports on budget, statistics, and operations. No formal votes were taken on policy changes; the board continued discussions on a book challenge and bulletin board policy, with the board president and director to draft a response to the book challenge. The board also noted increased user fees and planned changes to digital services.

• Approved February 13, 2025 board meeting minutes
• Continued book challenge discussion; president and director to write response
• Reviewed bulletin board policy; added appeal process, further review next meeting
• Noted plan to end Hoopla service and add Palace Project for digital content

City Council

The City Council will consider updates to municipal codes regarding accessory dwelling units and land use permit timelines. The body is also deciding on several inter-city agreements and the relocation of the Martin Marietta Quarry road.

• Public hearing on accessory dwelling unit regulations (MVMC Chapters 17.73, 17.06, and 17.102)
• Public hearing on land use permit timeline modifications to comply with SB5290
• Approval of payroll and wire transfers totaling $1,325,965.91 and claims totaling $757,462.38
• Approval of Martin Marietta Quarry road relocation
• Agreement with Cities of Burlington, Sedro-Woolley, and Anacortes for indigent defense services

The Mount Vernon City Council approved all agenda items unanimously (6-0), including the adoption of Ordinance 3909 renewing Accessory Dwelling Unit regulations, Ordinance 3910 extending parking mitigation for the Library Commons, and Ordinance 3911 updating procedures for HB5290 compliance. They also approved agreements with Anacortes, Skagit County, and a four-city interlocal for indigent defense, plus several administrative items. No items were denied or tabled.

• Adopted Ordinance 3909 renewing ADU regulations (6-0)
• Adopted Ordinance 3910 extending parking mitigation for Library Commons (6-0)
• Adopted Ordinance 3911 updating MVMC 14.05 procedures (6-0)
• Approved agreement with City of Anacortes for mutual public works assistance (6-0)
• Approved agreement with Skagit County and Boundary Line Adjustment at Sherman Anderson Park (6-0)
• Approved interlocal agreement for indigent defense with Burlington, Sedro-Woolley, Anacortes (6-0)
• Approved reclassification of GIS Specialist to GIS and Asset Management Specialist (6-0)
• Approved relocation of Martin Marietta Quarry road (6-0)

City Council Committee Agendas

The Public Works and Library Committee will meet to discuss updates on the library construction, conference room rental, and programming. Public Works items include the 2025 Stormwater Management Program, the Seneca Road Culvert Debris Removal Project, Skagit Highland slope monitoring, and the 2026-2031 Transportation Improvement Program. A contract with the City of Anacortes, a GIS position reclassification, and a Tenant Protection Ordinance are also on the agenda.

• Library construction update
• 2025 Stormwater Management Program presentation
• Seneca Road Culvert Debris Removal Project
• 2026-2031 Transportation Improvement Program update
• Tenant Protection Ordinance discussion

The Public Works and Library Committee approved the February 19, 2025 meeting minutes (5-0). The committee received updates on the library construction, stormwater management program, slope monitoring, and the 2026-2031 Transportation Improvement Program. No substantive decisions were made beyond the minutes approval; other items were informational or scheduled for future council action.

• Approved February 19, 2025 committee minutes (5-0)

City Council

The Mount Vernon City Council will hold a special meeting on March 7, 2025, at 11:45 a.m. at Hillcrest Park Gazebo to travel to 20411 Hickox Road for a tour of the Martin Marietta Rock Quarry.

City Council Committee Agendas

The Mount Vernon Public Safety Committee will meet on March 5, 2025, at the Police/Court Campus. The agenda includes approval of minutes from February 5, 2024, a police update on animal chipping, and a fire department review of 2024. The committee will also discuss a hiring bonus for firefighter/paramedics.

• Approval of February 5, 2024 minutes
• Police update on animal chipping
• Fire department 2024 review
• Discussion of firefighter/paramedic hiring bonus

The Public Safety Committee approved the February 5, 2025 minutes (7-0) and discussed several police and fire items. The most substantive action was directing staff to form an ad-hoc committee to review the city's efforts supporting immigrant communities and the Keep Washington Working Act, following a resolution from Rosalinda Guillen. No formal votes were taken on policy changes; items like animal chipping regulations and firefighter hiring bonuses were only discussed as proposals.

• Approved February 5, 2025 minutes (7-0)
• Directed staff to assemble ad-hoc committee on immigrant community support and Keep Washington Working Act

City Council

The March 5, 2025, City Council Study Session has been cancelled. A Public Safety Committee meeting will take place at 6 p.m. instead.

• City Council Study Session cancelled
• Public Safety Committee meeting scheduled for 6 p.m. at Police/Court Campus, 1805 Continental Place

City Council

The City Council will conduct a public hearing regarding modifications to land use permit timelines in the Municipal Code to comply with SB5290. The body will also consider an appeal of a hearing examiner's decision and review cost updates for the Library Commons Project.

• Public hearing on MVMC Chapter 14.05 Procedures regarding land use permit timelines
• Appeal of Hearing Examiner Decision for PLAN25-0019
• Agreement amendments for OAC Services, Inc. and HKP Architects, PLLC for the Library Commons Project
• Review of draft interlocal agreement for Indigent Defense Services
• Approval of payroll and claims totaling $3,036,619.06

The Council voted 6-0 to reverse the Hearing Examiner's denial of modifications to Conditional Use Permit PLAN25-0019 and directed the City Attorney to draft a resolution. It also approved amendments to agreements for the Mount Vernon Library Commons Project, increasing the overall project cost to $64.28M. The Council approved consent agenda items, including payroll and claims, and held a public hearing on land use permit timeline changes with no action taken.

• Reversed Hearing Examiner's denial of modifications to Conditional Use Permit PLAN25-0019 (6-0)
• Approved Amendment No. 4 with OAC Services, Inc. for $178,347 (6-0)
• Approved Amendment No. 8 with HKP Architects, PLLC for $54,378 (6-0)
• Approved overall Mount Vernon Library Commons Project cost of $64.28M (6-0)
• Approved consent agenda including payroll checks totaling $1,570,542.39 and claims totaling $1,466,076.67 (7-0)
• Amended February 12, 2025 meeting minutes to reflect Councilmember Brocksmith's abstention (7-0)

City Council Committee Agendas

The Finance & Parks & Enrichment Services Committee will review minutes, hear reports on the 2024 sales tax report and OpenGov reporting, and receive a follow-up on the Martin Marietta rock quarry. The committee will also consider a proposed amendment to council meeting procedures (MVMC 2.12).

• 2024 Sales Tax Report
• Martin Marietta Rock Quarry Follow Up
• Summer Programming discussion
• Proposed amendment to MVMC 2.12 Council Meeting General Requirements and Procedures

The Finance & Parks and Enrichment Services Committee approved the minutes from its January 15 and January 22, 2025 meetings. The committee also received presentations on real-time financial reporting via OpenGov, the 2024 sales tax report, and a proposal from Martin Marietta regarding the rock quarry reclamation plan, lease extension, and royalty rates. No formal decisions were made on these items; next steps include a council site tour and drafting an agreement.

• Approved January 15 and January 22, 2025 committee minutes (6-0)

City Council

The February 19, 2025, City Council Study Session and Development Services Committee meetings are cancelled. A Public Works and Library Committee meeting will take place at 6 p.m. at the Police/Court Campus. No other business is scheduled.

• City Council Study Session cancelled
• Development Services Committee meeting cancelled
• Public Works and Library Committee meeting scheduled at 6 p.m. at 1805 Continental Place

City Council Committee Agendas

The Public Works and Library Committee will discuss amendments to contracts for the Library Commons project with OAC Services, HKP Architects, and Lydig Construction. They will also receive updates on library operations, surface water utility work including Seneca Road culvert cleaning, and the 2026-2031 Transportation Improvement Program.

• Library Commons contract amendments with OAC Services, Inc., HKP Architects, PLLC, and Lydig Construction
• Seneca Road culvert cleaning update
• Stormwater parks discussion
• 2026-2031 Transportation Improvement Program update and project scoring concepts
• Library updates from Isaac Huffman

The committee approved the January 8, 2025 minutes (4-0). They received updates on library construction, programming, and the Seneca Road culvert cleanup, which has no scheduled date. Staff discussed stormwater parks, the 2026-2031 Transportation Improvement Program, and upcoming contract amendments for the Library Commons project. No final decisions were made on these items.

• Approved January 8, 2025 committee minutes (4-0)
• Discussed library construction and programming updates
• Discussed Seneca Road culvert cleanup status (no date scheduled)
• Discussed stormwater parks and future grant opportunities
• Reviewed 2026-2031 Transportation Improvement Program
• Discussed upcoming Library Commons contract amendments
• Discussed Kastle Systems agreement modifications for parking garage security

Civil Service Commission

The Civil Service Commission will vote on removing two candidates from the Entry Level Police Officer Eligibility List and authorize recruitment to establish an eligibility list for a Sr. Administrative Assistant in the Police Department. The meeting also includes approval of previous minutes and public comments.

• Request to remove candidate CS 24-023 from police eligibility list
• Request to remove candidate CS 24-043 from police eligibility list
• Request to recruit and establish eligibility list for Police Sr. Administrative Assistant

Planning Commission

The February 18, 2025 Planning Commission meeting has been cancelled. No items were discussed or decided.

• Meeting cancelled; no agenda items or decisions

Library Board

The Mount Vernon Library Board will hold a regular meeting on February 13, 2025. Items include approval of minutes, public comment, and reports on budget and operations. The board will discuss a book challenge and consider general advice.

• Discussion of a book challenge under Decisions/Advice
• Review of budget reports
• Statistics discussion
• Incident reports, waivers & surplus material report
• Director's report with construction and operations updates

The board reviewed a book reconsideration request and tabled it pending additional information. They also approved the January minutes, agreed to makerspace fee changes, and discussed a possible bulletin board appeal process. No major policy decisions were finalized.

• Approved January 9, 2025 board meeting minutes
• Tabled book challenge pending additional information
• Agreed to proposed makerspace cost structure changes
• Reviewed incident reports; no waivers issued

City Council

The City Council will discuss several professional service agreements and infrastructure project acceptances. The body is also deciding on a budget amendment and a collective bargaining agreement for Battalion Chiefs.

• Ordinance 3906 to amend the 2025 City Budget
• Approval of payroll checks ($1,324,263.14) and claims ($2,029,317.36)
• Collective bargaining agreement with IAFF Local 1983 for Battalion Chiefs
• Agreement with Coffman Engineers for Bakerview Park restroom renovation
• Agreement with Kastle Systems for remote monitoring at Library Commons garage, stairwells, and elevators

The Mount Vernon City Council approved several contracts and agreements, including a $2.84 million wastewater treatment plant pump station upgrade, a $62,900 engineering agreement for the Bakerview Park restroom renovation, and a $129,000 active transportation plan. The council also adopted a $54,320 budget amendment and approved a collective bargaining agreement with the firefighters union. All votes were unanimous except for the Kastle Systems monitoring agreement, which passed 5-1 with one abstention.

• Accepted Strider Construction's work on the WWTP Influent Pump Station Header Upgrade Project (7-0)
• Approved $62,900 agreement with Coffman Engineers for Bakerview Restroom Renovation (7-0)
• Approved amendment extending parking mitigation agreement with Skagit County and Lydig Construction to April 1, 2025 (7-0)
• Approved $4,456.70/month agreement with Kastle Systems for Library Commons monitoring (5-1, Brocksmith abstained)
• Approved CBA with IAFF Local 1983 for Battalion Chiefs, Jan 1, 2025 - Dec 21, 2027 (7-0)
• Adopted Ordinance 3906 amending 2025 City Budget by $54,320 (7-0)
• Approved Resolution 1069 increasing Finance Department change fund from $600 to $1,200 (7-0)
• Approved $129,000 agreement with Transpo Group for Active Transportation and Safety Plan (7-0)

City Council Committee Agendas

The Development Services Committee will meet on February 12, 2025, to discuss comprehensive plan updates, including review of agreements with Transpo Group and L.C. Lee & Associates, and plans for a March 1 community meeting. They will also discuss an Otak agreement related to the Downtown Environmental Impact Statement/Planned Action and receive a monthly permit and projects report. Additionally, the committee will consider future agenda requests, such as Dike District presentations and a Downtown Sidewalk Café item. The Public Works Committee meeting scheduled for the same date has been cancelled.

• Review of Transpo Group and L.C. Lee & Associates agreements for comprehensive plan updates
• March 1, 2025 community meeting on comprehensive plan
• Otak Agreement discussion for Downtown Environmental Impact Statement/Planned Action
• Monthly Permit and Projects Report
• Agenda request for Dike District presentations in March

The Development Services Committee approved the December 18, 2024 minutes (7-0) and discussed updates to the Comprehensive Plan, including proposed changes to Transpo Group and L.C. Lee & Associates agreements. The L.C. Lee contract will be revised and brought back for later approval. The committee also reviewed the Downtown EIS/Planned Action Otak agreement and received a permit report. No final decisions were made on these items.

• Approved December 18, 2024 committee minutes (7-0)
• Discussed Transpo Group and L.C. Lee agreements; L.C. Lee to be revised and re-presented
• Reviewed Downtown EIS/Planned Action Otak agreement amendments
• Scheduled March 1, 2025 community meeting on Comprehensive Plan

City Council

The City Council Study Session scheduled for February 5, 2025, has been cancelled. A Public Safety Committee meeting will be held at 6 p.m. at the Police/Court Campus instead.

• Study session cancelled; Public Safety Committee meeting at 6 p.m. scheduled

City Council Committee Agendas

The Public Safety Committee will review police reports on crime emphasis and immigration enforcement. The body will also receive updates on Fire Station 1 and department staffing. Legal counsel will discuss council meeting requirements and procedures.

• North River Commercial Area Crime Emphasis
• MVPD role in immigration enforcement
• Rebuilding of the Traffic Unit
• Fire Station 1 update
• MVMC 2.12 Council Meeting General Requirements and Procedures

The Public Safety Committee approved the November 6, 2024 minutes with a correction, carried 6-0. Police Chief Christman discussed crime in the North River Commercial area, the MVPD's limited role in immigration enforcement, and rebuilding the traffic unit to three officers by June. Fire updates included a concept design for Fire Station 1, two new Firefighter/EMT hires, and Battalion Chief James Sanders' promotion to Assistant Fire Chief effective April 1, 2025. The City Attorney reviewed the Open Public Meetings Act and council meeting procedures; no substantive decisions were made on these items.

• Approved November 6, 2024 minutes with correction (6-0)
• Discussed North River Commercial area crime emphasis
• Discussed MVPD role in immigration enforcement
• Discussed rebuilding traffic unit to three officers by June
• Discussed Fire Station 1 concept design and site options
• Noted two new Firefighter/EMT hires
• Noted Battalion Chief James Sanders promoted to Assistant Fire Chief effective April 1, 2025
• Reviewed OPMA and council meeting procedures; no action taken

City Council

The Mount Vernon City Council will hold a regular meeting on January 22, 2025, to consider several contract amendments and new agreements, including a key contract with Otak for an Environmental Impact Statement and Planned Action Ordinance for the Waterfront and Historic Downtown Master Plan Area. The consent agenda includes approval of prior meeting minutes, payroll and claims totaling over $4.6 million, and amendments to indigent defense conflict counsel agreements raising hourly rates to $100. A presentation on the North Star initiative will be given with no required action.

• Approval of agreement with Otak for Environmental Impact Statement and Planned Action Ordinance for Waterfront and Historic Downtown Master Plan Area
• Change Order No. 1 with Valdez Construction for Old Library Building & Hillcrest Park Tenant Improvements Project (2024-ITB-014)
• Amendment to agreement with King Technologies for ADA Transition Plan update
• New agreement with Mountain Law, PLLC for legal services
• Consent agenda includes payroll of $1,688,971.86 and claims of $2,994,781.14

The Mount Vernon City Council approved an amendment to the Valdez Construction agreement, removing the library portion of the project and reducing the contract amount to $159,323.38. The council also approved agreements for digital imagery services with Skagit County, an ADA Transition Plan update with King Technologies, and a new indigent defense services agreement with Mountain Law, PLLC. All other agenda items were approved as part of the consent agenda.

• Approved amendment to Valdez Construction agreement removing library portion, contract reduced to $159,323.38 (7-0)
• Approved agreement with Skagit County for digital imagery services, $20,000 (7-0)
• Approved amendment No. 2 to King Technologies agreement for ADA Transition Plan update, $9,700 (7-0)
• Approved agreement with Mountain Law, PLLC for indigent defense services, terminating agreement 4395 (6-1)
• Approved consent agenda including meeting minutes, payroll, claims, and various agreement amendments (7-0)
• Removed item F from agenda and approved amended agenda (7-0)

City Council Committee Agendas

The Finance Committee will discuss the 2025 Budget Amendment and the 2023 Annual Financial Report. The body will also review agreements and contracts related to the Downtown and Waterfront Subarea Plan and the Comprehensive Plan Update.

• 2025 Budget Amendment
• 2023 Annual Financial Report
• 2024 Sales Tax Update
• Downtown and Waterfront Subarea Plan and Planned Action Environmental Impact Statement Agreement Review
• Comprehensive Plan Update visioning exercise and upcoming contracts

The Finance Committee approved the October 23, 2024 minutes (7-0) and received updates on the 2023 annual financial report, 2024 sales tax collections, and an upcoming 2025 budget amendment. No other substantive decisions were made; the Downtown and Waterfront Subarea Plan EIS agreement was discussed but not voted on.

• Approved October 23, 2024 committee minutes (7-0)
• Heard 2023 financial statements and state auditor reports (unmodified opinion)
• Noted 2024 sales tax collections of $10,021,797, over budget estimate
• Reviewed upcoming 2025 budget amendment for Kulshan Trail Safety Lighting and Solid Waste Encampment Mitigation vehicle (not yet approved)

Planning Commission

The Mount Vernon Planning Commission will hold a study session on Senate Bill 5290, which establishes new 65/100/170-day permit review timelines effective January 1, 2025, and requires code amendments. Commissioners will also elect a Chair and Vice-Chair, and receive updates on the Comprehensive Plan and NorthStar. The consent agenda includes approval of October 15, 2024 meeting minutes.

• Study session on SB 5290: new permit review timelines (65/100/170 days) and draft code redlines
• Election of Commission Chair and Vice-Chair
• Comprehensive Plan Update
• NorthStar Updates
• Approval of October 15, 2024 meeting minutes

The Mount Vernon Planning Commission approved the agenda and prior meeting minutes, and postponed the election of officers to the next meeting due to low attendance. Staff presented updates on HB 5290 housing requirements, the Comprehensive Plan, and NorthStar initiatives, but no substantive decisions were made on these items.

• Approved agenda and 10/15/2024 minutes (4-0)
• Postponed election of officers to next meeting (4-0)

City Council Committee Agendas

The Mount Vernon City Council Parks and Enrichment Services Committee is holding a special meeting to discuss a presentation from Martin Marietta Rock Quarry, a cat colony at Edgewater Park, and a review of ARPA funds. The meeting also includes agenda requests and miscellaneous items.

• Presentation by Martin Marietta Rock Quarry
• Cat colony at Edgewater Park
• Review of ARPA Funds
• Agenda requests
• Miscellaneous items

The Parks and Enrichment Services Committee received updates on the Martin Marietta quarry lease and reclamation, discussed a long-standing cat colony at Edgewater Park, and reviewed ARPA-funded projects. No formal decisions were made; items were informational and agenda requests were noted.

• Reviewed Martin Marietta quarry operations and lease extension potential
• Discussed action plan for Edgewater Park cat colony (15-20 cats)
• Reviewed ARPA-funded projects and purchases
• Noted agenda request for cat colony regulations
• Received status update on Bakerview Park restroom repair

City Council

The January 15, 2025 City Council study session is cancelled. A Parks and Enrichment Services Committee meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. at the same location, but no council action is planned.

• Study session cancelled; no new business discussed
• Parks and Enrichment Services Committee meeting at 6 p.m. at Police/Court Campus

Civil Service Commission

The Mount Vernon Civil Service Commission will consider certifying the Assistant Fire Chief Eligibility List and authorizing recruitment for an Outreach Specialist in the Police Department. The meeting also includes approval of December meeting minutes and public comment.

• Certification of the Assistant Fire Chief Eligibility List (Fire Department)
• Authorization to recruit and establish an Eligibility List for Outreach Specialist (Police Department)
• Approval of minutes from the December 18, 2024 meeting

Library Board

The Mount Vernon Library Board will hold a regular meeting to approve minutes, hear public comment, and receive reports. Key discussion items include setting 2025 meeting dates, a lost process fee, and a request from Oasis teen shelter. The director will provide construction and operations updates.

• Approval of December 19, 2024 meeting minutes
• Discussion on setting 2025 meeting dates
• Discussion on lost process fee
• Oasis teen shelter request (potential action)
• Director's report includes construction and operations updates

The Mount Vernon Library Board approved a temporary variance allowing Oasis Teen Shelter to add individual cards to their agency account, so staff can give teens cards to use at the library. The board also approved distributing withdrawn periodicals to local community groups, including a Mount Vernon High School club. Other items, such as removing the lost processing fee, were discussed but tabled for further review.

• Approved Oasis Teen Shelter temporary variance for individual cards
• Approved distributing withdrawn periodicals to local community groups
• Approved minutes of November 14, 2024 board meeting

City Council Committee Agendas

The Public Works and Library Committee will discuss updates from the Library and Public Works departments, including a proposed lease agreement with New Cingular Wireless, the LaVenture Road Sidewalk Project, and the 2025 Pavement Preservation Plan. The committee will also consider approval of the previous meeting's minutes and other agenda items. No final decisions are expected; items are for discussion and update.

• New Cingular Wireless PCS Lease Agreement (Public Works)
• Park Street Pump Station Update
• LaVenture Road Sidewalk Project
• 2025 Pavement Preservation Plan Update
• Kulshan Trail Safety Lighting – Phase 3

The Public Works and Library Committee approved the December 11, 2024 minutes as presented. No substantive decisions were made; the meeting consisted of updates on library construction, surface water utility lease, and various public works projects. The committee discussed but did not vote on the New Cingular Wireless lease agreement, which was to be considered at the regular Council meeting.

• Approved December 11, 2024 committee minutes as presented

City Council

The City Council will hold a public hearing on the 2025-2030 Six-Year Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and consider approving Resolution 1067. Other new business includes reappointments to the Planning Commission and Library Board, an amendment to the Otak agreement for the Comprehensive Plan Periodic Update, and agreements for trail maintenance and generator work at Little Mountain Park. The consent agenda covers approval of payroll, claims, and interlocal agreements totaling over $8 million.

• Public hearing and vote on 2025-2030 Six-Year Transportation Improvement Program (Resolution 1067)
• Amendment to agreement 4577 with Otak for additional services for Comprehensive Plan Periodic Update
• Agreement with Washington Trails Association for trail maintenance at Little Mountain Park
• Amendment to agreement 4565 with New Cingular Wireless for generator replacement at Little Mountain Park
• Reappointment of Christian Carlson to Planning Commission and Jessica Byland to Library Board

The Mount Vernon City Council approved the amended 2025-2035 Six-Year Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) with Resolution 1067, passing 5-1. The council also approved several agreements and appointments, including a $359,200 amendment for the Comprehensive Plan update and a $13,500 trail maintenance agreement. All other agenda items were approved unanimously.

• Approved amended 2025-2035 Six-Year TIP with Resolution 1067 (5-1)
• Approved $359,200 amendment to agreement 4577 with Otak for Comprehensive Plan update (6-0)
• Approved $13,500 agreement with Washington Trail Association for Little Mountain Park trail maintenance (6-0)
• Approved amendment to agreement 4565 with New Cingular Wireless for generator replacement at Little Mountain Park (6-0)
• Re-appointed Christian Carlson to Planning Commission (6-0)
• Re-appointed Jessica Byland to Library Board (6-0)
• Elected Councilmember Beaton as Mayor Pro-Tempore for 2025 (6-0)
• Approved consent agenda items A-I including payroll, claims, and agreements (6-0)

City Council

The January 1, 2025, City Council study session and the Public Safety Committee meeting have both been cancelled. No business will be conducted.

• Meeting cancelled — no items discussed