Stanwood public meetings in 2024
38 substantive meetings from 2024, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Parks and Trails Advisory Committee
The Parks and Trails Advisory Committee will review the 2025-2026 capital budget for various city parks and update the public on the status of the Stanwood Port Susan Trail and other projects.
- Heritage Park: $1.25M for 2025 projects including Loop Trail, ADA playground, and asphalt pump track
- Depot Park: $1.1M for final design and construction
- Cedarhome Area Park: $70,000 for locating a new park site
- Church Creek Park: $465,000 for 2025 projects including Upper Trail construction
- Stanwood Port Susan Trail: $250,000 for 2025 to revisit location and phasing
Public Safety Committee
The Public Safety Committee will meet to receive general updates from the police and fire departments. Chief Jason Toner will present the November Compstat Report for the Stanwood Police Department.
- Review of November 2024 Compstat Report
- General police update from Chief Jason Toner
- General fire update from Chief John Cermak
City Council
The City Council will consider adopting the 2025 Consolidated Fee Schedule and approving the Bakerview Phase 1 Final Plat. The body will also review a contract for the Cedarhome Dr. Watermain Project and a dangerous dog code amendment.
- Adoption of Resolution 2024-15: 2025 Consolidated Fee Schedule
- Approval of Bakerview Phase 1 Final Plat
- Contract authorization for Atwell regarding the Cedarhome Dr. Watermain Project
- Adoption of Ordinance 1544 Dangerous Dog Code Amendment
- Acceptance of TIB Grants for 80th Ave NW Overlay and Twin City Mile Main Street Improvement projects
Public Works and Parks Committee
The Public Works and Parks Committee will meet to discuss tax increment financing, review grant agreements for the 80th Street Overlay and Twin City Mile Mainstreet projects, and evaluate the scope and fees for the Cedarhome Drive Water Project and SR532 and 72nd Intersection Improvements.
- Tax Increment Financing overview
- 80th Avenue NW Overlay grant agreement
- Twin City Mile Mainstreet Project grant agreement
- Cedarhome Drive Water Project scope and fee discussion
- SR532 and 72nd Intersection Improvements contract overview
City Council
The Stanwood City Council will hold a public hearing and vote on the 2025-2026 Biennial Budget. The meeting also includes approving the Flock Camera System, reappointing board members, and discussing dangerous dog code amendments.
- Approve 2025-2026 Biennial Budget
- Approve Flock Camera System
- Approve Dangerous Dog Code Amendment
- Approve Reappointment of Economic Development Board Members
- Approve Reappointment of Planning Commissioners
Comprehensive Plan and Municipal Code Advisory Group
The Municipal Code Update project is merging Title 16 (Subdivisions) and Title 17 (Zoning) into a new Title 18 Unified Development Code. The group is evaluating permitted land uses and building site dimensional standards to align with the Comprehensive Plan and state mandates.
- Proposal to include 'missing middle' housing types in residential, multifamily, and commercial zones
- Update of Accessory Dwelling Unit requirements to align with state law
- Proposed consolidation of land uses into broader, generalized categories
- Adoption of Essential Public Facilities standards
- Proposed change to replace abbreviated definitions in the use matrix with specific code citations
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission will hold a continued public hearing on the Unified Development Code structure and permitting procedures. The body will also receive a presentation from TranspoGroup regarding how different housing densities and types affect land values.
- Approval of Findings of Facts and Conclusions for the Unified Development Code Structure and Permitting Procedures
- TranspoGroup presentation on Land Use Economic Analysis regarding 'missing middle' housing
- Discussion on conceptual approach for the updated permitted Use Zoning Matrix
- Review of the draft Subdivision Code approach
Economic Development Board
The Economic Development Board will review the 'Stanwood Create' initiative, which proposes creating a historic preservation ordinance and a creative arts district to revitalize downtown. The board will also discuss a tourism promotion grant for the Snow Goose Festival and review business license analytics.
- Review 'Stanwood Create' downtown initiative
- Tourism promotion grant for Snow Goose Festival
- Business license analytics for September & October
- Equipment rental policy discussion
- Proposed quarterly business roundtables
Public Safety Committee
The Public Safety Committee will receive a general update and the October Compstat report from the Police Chief. The committee will also review the North County Regional Fire & EMS 2024 Third Quarter Report.
- North County Fire & EMS Q3 Report: 2,620 total dispatched calls (86% EMS, 14% other)
- North County Fire & EMS Q3 response times: 4:40 average for City of Stanwood
- Police staffing: 100% vacancy fill rate for Chief, Sergeants, Deputies, SRO, and Detective
- Police report on three Level 1, four Level 2, and one pending risk assessment registered sex offenders in Stanwood
- Detective report on a local business employee theft/embezzlement case exceeding $50,000.00
City Council
The City Council will hold public hearings for the 2025-2030 Capital Improvement Plan and the 2025-2026 Biennial Budget. The body will also consider a property tax levy and utility rate adjustments.
- Public hearing: Resolution 2024-14 Capital Improvement Plan 2025-2030
- Public hearing: Ordinance 1540 2025-2026 Biennial Budget
- Second reading and adoption of Ordinance 1539 2025 Property Tax Levy
- First reading of Ordinance 1541 SMC Chapter 12 Utility Rate Adjustment
- Authorization for participation in a drone purchase
Community Development Committee
The Community Development Committee is discussing design options for the Brick Road section of the Twin City Mile Revitalization Project on 270th Street. Staff are evaluating several redesign ideas based on public comments that strongly favor preserving original bricks over using stamped concrete. Final sketches and a pro/con analysis will be presented in January.
- Review of open house comments regarding 270th Street between Camano Street and 102nd Avenue
- Discussion of Permitted Use and Bulk Standards Matrix
- Discussion of a potential Readerboard Sign Project
- Evaluation of five redesign ideas for the Brick Road, ranging from 'do nothing' to full reconstruction
- Proposal to add a geotechnical engineer to the project team due to floodplain soil conditions
City Council
The City Council will conduct a first reading and public hearing regarding the 2025 Property Tax Levy. The body will also consider a new salary and benefit schedule and a contract for biosolids removal.
- Public hearing for First Reading of Ordinance 1539: 2025 Property Tax Levy
- Adoption of Resolution 2024-12 Salary and Benefit Schedule
- Contract authorization for Merrell Bros. Inc. for Biosolids Removal
- Review of Third Quarter 2024 Financial Report
- Recognition of Wastewater Treatment Plant Outstanding Performance Award for 2023
Parks and Trails Advisory Committee
The Parks and Trails Advisory Committee will review a proposed capital budget of $4.15 million for 2025 and 2026, including projects for Depot Park, Heritage Park, and Church Creek Park. The committee will also discuss edits to the Heritage Park Master Plan and receive updates on the Stanwood Port Susan Trail and other park projects.
- Proposed Capital Budget 2025-2026: $4,150,000
- Depot Park design and construction: $1,100,000
- Heritage Park projects: $1,250,000 (2025) + $150,000 (2026)
- Church Creek Park projects: $465,000 (2025) + $65,000 (2026)
- Stanwood Port Susan Trail construction nearing completion
Comprehensive Plan and Municipal Code Advisory Group
The City is updating its Municipal Code to create a Unified Development Code (UDC) that merges subdivisions and zoning into one title. The proposal reorganizes critical area regulations to align with state guidance and Best Available Science.
- Proposed merger of Title 16 (Subdivisions) and Title 17 (Zoning) into a single Unified Development Code
- Updated wetland buffer widths ranging from 40 to 225 feet based on habitat scores
- Revised fish and wildlife habitat buffers based on site-potential tree height (SPTH), ranging from 100 to 235 feet
- New 'Frequently Flooded Areas' designation (formerly Floodplain management) with added HVAC protections
- Proposed mitigation ratios for wetlands ranging from 1.5:1 to 16:1 depending on category and action
Planning Commission
The Stanwood Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to review the first draft of a new Unified Development Code (Title 18). This code merges existing zoning and subdivision regulations into a single document to modernize land use rules.
- Public Hearing: Title 18 Unified Development Code Part 2
- Public Meeting: 24-0104 Josephine Preliminary Plat
- Discussion: Critical Areas Code
- Approval of September 9, 2024 Planning Commission Minutes
- City Council approval of 2024-2044 Comprehensive Plan
City Council
The City Council will consider authorizing the Mayor to sign a contract with SEI / Neptune General Contractors for the Marine Drive Flood Control Gate Project. The agenda also includes approval of vouchers, payroll checks, and meeting minutes.
- Authorize Mayor to sign contract for Marine Drive Flood Control Gate Project
- Approve vouchers and payroll checks
- Approve City Council Regular Meeting Minutes – September 26, 2024
- Police Compstat Report for September 2024
- Economic Development Board Meeting Minutes – June 21, 2024
City Council
The Stanwood City Council will hold a special workshop to review a presentation on Flock Safety cameras and discuss the draft 2025-2030 Capital Improvement Plan. The council previously prioritized projects for the 2025-2026 period, and staff has revised the list to balance the budget with a $327,659 contingency.
- Flock Safety cameras presentation
- 2025-2030 Capital Improvement Plan discussion
- Heritage Park playground and pump track proposed
- Pt. Susan Trail Phase Three and Four deferred
- Johnson Farm Park trail and parking deferred to 2027
Public Works and Parks Committee
The Public Works and Parks Committee is reviewing concept designs for the Twin City Mile Revitalization Project on 270th Street. The committee is also conducting a final review of the 2026-2031 Six-Year Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP) to determine if it can move toward public hearing and council approval.
- Twin City Mile 'Brick Road' concepts for 270th Street between Camano Street and 102nd Avenue
- Proposed mini traffic circle at Camano Street and 270th Avenue
- Final review of the 2026-2031 Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP) project list
- Viking Way-90th Ave Phase 2 project with total funds of $2,323,000
- 64th and SR532 Intersection improvements with total funds of $3,600,000
Community Development Committee
The Community Development Committee is reviewing design concepts for the Twin City Mile Revitalization Project on 270th Street. The body is also discussing a transition from the current zoning code to a new Unified Development Code (UDC) to streamline development standards.
- Brick Road design concepts for 270th Street between Camano Street and 102nd Avenue
- Proposed mini traffic circle at Camano Street and 270th Avenue
- Proposed ordinance to move Zoning from Title 17 to Title 18 as a Unified Development Code
- Bakerview Final Plat
- Proposed simplification of permit submittal checklists (Options A, B, and C)
Public Safety Committee
The Public Safety Committee is meeting to receive operational updates from the Stanwood Police Department and North County Regional Fire & EMS. The session includes a review of the August Compstat crime report and the fire department's Q2 report.
- Review of August 2024 Compstat Report
- Update on Flock cameras
- North County Fire & EMS Q2 Report (April-June 2024)
- Report on $3,700 raised for BlueBridge Alliance via grants
- Delivery of a new speed radar trailer on September 17th
City Council
The City Council held a special workshop to review the mayor's proposed 2025-2026 operating budget. The discussion focused on funding for public safety, utility rate increases, and planned professional services for community development.
- Proposed 5% annual rate increase for Water and Sewer Utility Rates
- Proposed 2.5% annual rate increase for Drainage Utility Rates
- Public safety increases including $300,000 for Sheriff Contract and $90,000 for FLOCK Camera System
- Proposed $3.1 million in one-time transfers from General Fund surplus to Building, Street, and Parks Construction Funds
- Professional services for SR 532 speed study ($40,000) and Municipal Code Update ($130,000)
City Council
The City Council will consider the second reading and adoption of the 2024-2044 Comprehensive Plan and the city's Strategic Plan. The council will also decide on a contract for GIS services and approve city expenditures.
- Adoption of Ordinance 1537: 2024-2044 Comprehensive Plan
- Adoption of Resolution 2024-13: Stanwood’s Strategic Plan
- Contract authorization for Gray & Osborne for Geographic Information Systems (GIS) services
- Approval of voucher checks and electronic transfers totaling $1,100,514.34
- Approval of payroll electronic fund transfers totaling $403,727.43
Economic Development Board
The Board will consider whether to charge rental fees for city equipment, such as the audio system and stage. Members will also discuss the 2025/2026 workplan, including potential projects like a downtown historic arts district and business recruitment strategies.
- Proposal to charge rental fees for city equipment (stage and audio system)
- Discussion on 2025/2026 Workplan and Budget
- Analysis of a potential downtown historic arts district
- Review of business license analytics
- Proposed changes to Rules of Procedure regarding guest speakers and quarterly business meetings
Comprehensive Plan and Municipal Code Advisory Group
The Advisory Group is discussing the creation of Title 18, a Unified Development Code (UDC) that will eventually replace Title 17 (Zoning). The new code aims to combine zoning, design standards, and engineering regulations into one document over a projected two-year drafting period.
- Proposed transition of zoning from Title 17 to a new Title 18 Unified Development Code
- Establishment of four permit review types (Type 1-4) with timelines ranging from 65 to 170 days
- Proposal to replace 'Community Need' criteria for Conditional Use Permits with 'Community Compatibility'
- Elimination of 'public meetings' with the Planning Commission in favor of 'public hearings' before a Hearing Examiner
- Reorganization of the code into eight parts, including General Provisions, Permits, and Environmental standards
City Council
The City Council is holding a special workshop to discuss the 2024-2044 Comprehensive Plan. This long-term document establishes goals for growth, development, and infrastructure to meet Washington State Growth Management Act requirements.
- Proposed population growth target of 10,963 by 2044
- Proposed rezone of 49.68 acres of Light Industrial and 72.85 acres of General Industrial to Planned Industrial
- Proposed rezone of 14.68-acre Single-Family 5.0 Residential property to MR to preserve wetlands
- Proposed rezone of 32.05 acres of Light Industrial to allow residential development in the Eastern UGA
- Proposed code amendment to allow small-scale commercial uses and live-work units in the Uptown Area
City Council
The Stanwood City Council will conduct a public hearing for the first reading of the 2024-2044 Comprehensive Plan. The body is also considering a budget amendment and updates to vehicle and traffic ordinances.
- Public hearing and first reading of Ordinance 1537: 2024-2044 Comprehensive Plan
- Adoption of Ordinance 1542: 2023-2024 Budget Amendment Three
- Third reading and adoption of Ordinance 1532: SMC Title 10 Vehicles and Traffic
- Authorization for Mayor to sign an On-Call PSA with RH2 Engineers
- Approval of Storefront Improvement Program applications
Public Works and Parks Committee
The Public Works Committee will discuss an updated Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) that schedules major projects through 2030. Staff will present the plan, which pushes many projects to 2027 and prioritizes those that can be added back if funding becomes available.
- New Police Station Design and Construction: $7,000,000
- Heritage Park Improvements: $5,835,000
- Skagit Bay Dike Repair: $12,000,000
- WWTP Plant Upgrades: $26,834,000
- Twin City Mile Downtown Renovation: $5,969,552
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission is discussing the creation of Title 18, a Unified Development Code (UDC) that will merge subdivisions and zoning into one title. This project aims to modernize the municipal code, simplify language, and align with the Comprehensive Plan over a projected two-year drafting period.
- Proposed merger of Title 16 (Subdivisions) and Title 17 (Zoning) into Title 18
- Discussion of Comprehensive Plan Update
- Upcoming review of Critical Areas Code
Community Development Committee
The Community Development Committee is discussing the adoption of the 2024-2044 Comprehensive Plan and associated zoning amendments. These updates aim to comply with the Washington State Growth Management Act and refine land use, housing, and transportation policies.
- Proposed consolidation of MB-I and MB-II zones into a Downtown Mixed Use (DMU) zone
- Proposed renaming of Light Industrial (LI) to Planned Industrial (PI)
- Proposal to allow mini-storage facilities in the General Industrial (GI) zone via Conditional Use Permit
- Proposed merger of General Commercial Mixed-Use Overlay and General Commercial zones into a single GC zone
- Proposed addition of emergency housing as a conditional use permit in Downtown Mixed Use and General Commercial zones
Parks and Trails Advisory Committee
The committee is reviewing the completed Church Creek Park Trail Design/Management Plan. The body is also receiving status updates on several local park projects, including Heritage Park and the Port Susan Trail.
- Review of Church Creek Park Trail Design/Management Plan
- Heritage Park: $50,000 grant submitted to Snohomish County for dugout fencing
- Stanwood Port Susan Trail: Construction started with extension until January 20, 2025
- Church Creek Park: Bids open until August 22nd to raise and re-roof dugouts
- Ovenell Park: New banner for SR532 side of the red barn to be installed by month-end
City Council
The City Council will consider adopting a strategic plan and authorizing a contract for the 103rd Drive Improvement Project. The body will also vote on ordinances regarding vehicles, traffic, and public rights-of-way.
- Contract with Konnerup Construction for the 103rd Drive Improvement Project
- Adoption of Resolution 2024-13 Strategic Plan
- Ordinance 1532 SMC Title 10 (Vehicles and Traffic)
- Ordinance 1535 SMC Title 11 (Streets and Public ROW)
- Interlocal Agreements with Snohomish County for Emergency Management and Stillaguamish Flood District for Dredging
City Council
The City Council is reviewing the draft 2025-2030 Capital Improvement Plan to identify projects that can be delayed or reduced. The city has $17.5 million available for 2025-2026, but proposed projects total $21.67 million.
- Police Station construction: $7,000,000
- Twin City Mile Downtown Renovation: $2,319,552
- Heritage Park multi-use field and parking: $2,000,000
- Viking Way- 90th Ave Phase 2: $1,800,000
- Depot Park design and construction: $1,000,000
City Council
The City Council will review the June 2024 Police Compstat and the second quarter 2024 financial report. The body is also deciding on a final plat for Summerset Springs and an amendment to the construction noise ordinance.
- Approval of Summerset Springs Final Plat
- Adoption of Ordinance 1536: SMC Title 7 Amendment Construction Noise
- Approval of vouchers and payroll checks
- Approval of second utility account adjustment
- Review of Q2 2024 Financial Report
Finance & Personnel Committee
The Finance & Personnel Committee is reviewing the city's insurance coverage and deductibles for 2025. The body is also reviewing the second quarter 2024 financial report, which includes budget versus actual expenditures and tax collection data.
- Review of property insurance deductible currently set at $25,000
- Discussion on potential auto deductible increase from $5,000 to $25,000
- 2nd Quarter 2024 Financial Report showing taxes collected are 46.7% of total budgeted
- Review of liability program with a total limit of $20M per occurrence
- Review of cyber insurance with a $100,000 retention and Tier II ransomware sub-limit of $250,000
Economic Development Board
The Board is reviewing a proposed budget of $201,500 and developing a 2025/2026 workplan focused on city beautification and tourism. Members are also discussing whether to charge rental fees for city equipment and how to structure future guest speaker sessions.
- Proposed 2025/2026 budget of $201,500, including $100,000 for the Storefront Improvement Program
- Request for Board support to change the door style for a $7,005.32 grant awarded to Jimmy’s Pizza and Pasta
- Update on the Raplee Property at 271st and 270th Street, including a $76,000 Department of Ecology grant for contamination testing
- Discussion on charging rental fees for city equipment, such as the stage and audio system
- Review of potential guest speakers for 2025, including representatives from Lennar Homes and the Economic Alliance Snohomish County
Comprehensive Plan and Municipal Code Advisory Group
The July 17, 2024 meeting of the Comprehensive Plan and Municipal Code Advisory Group is cancelled. Staff provided a progress update on the Comprehensive Plan and Municipal Code updates, including the adoption of several titles and the creation of a new Unified Development Code.
- July meeting cancelled; next meeting is September 18, 2024
- Planning Commission recommends approving Comprehensive Plan with changes
- Title 7, 8, 10, and 11 of Municipal Code adopted
- Title 18 (Unified Development Code) to replace Title 17 (Zoning)
- Shoreline and critical areas chapters being drafted
Public Safety Committee
The committee will receive general updates from the Stanwood Police Department and North County Regional Fire & EMS. The June Compstat Report is unavailable for this meeting and will be provided at the July 25th Council Meeting.
- General police update
- General fire update
- June Compstat Report delayed until July 25th Council Meeting
City Council
The City Council will consider first readings for three ordinances regarding construction noise, traffic, and streets. The council is also scheduled to approve the Depot Park concept design and a financial management policy update. Committee reports from Public Works, Parks, Finance, and Economic Development will be reviewed.
- First reading of Ordinance 1536 regarding construction noise
- First reading of Ordinance 1532 regarding vehicles and traffic
- First reading of Ordinance 1535 regarding streets and public right of way
- Approval of Depot Park concept design
- Approval of $355,781.73 in vouchers and $50,050.00 in payroll