HomeMy WebLinkAboutSigned Minutes 01-24-22- . Minutes of the Arlington
City Council Zoom Workshop
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Monday, January 24, 2022
Councilmembers Present: Mike Hopson, Marilyn Oertle, Don Vanney, Jan Schuette,
Michele Blythe, and Heather Logan.
Council Members Absent: Debora Nelson, excused.
Staff Present: Mayor Barb Tolbert, Paul Ellis, James Trefry, Jim Kelly, Marc Hayes, Tony Orr,
City Attorney Steve Peiffle, and Sarah Lopez.
Also Known to be Present: Five YouTube viewers.
Mayor Barb Tolbert called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm, and the Pledge of Allegiance and
roll call followed.
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Mayor Pro Tern Jan Schuette moved to approve the agenda as presented. Councilmember
Oertle seconded the motion, which passed with a unanimous vote.
INTRODUCTION OF SPECIAL GUESTS AND PRESENTATIONS
None.
WORKSHOP ITEMS - NO ACTION WAS TAKEN
Public Works Personnel Requests
Public Works Director Jim Kelly reviewed a request for a revision to the 2022 pay plan for
the addition of three new full-time employees, and reclassification of two current
employees.
The City's infrastructure system is in excellent condition -a condition that is better than
cities of equal or larger size, and is accomplished with much less staff than comparable
cities. The recent growth in Arlington is quickly highlighting the need for required
expansion of water/sewer treatment operations, an expansion in distribution and
collection obligations to keep up with development, and an expansion of capital
infrastructure needs in design, replacement and new construction. Failure to provide
staffing needed to maintain water, sewer, storm, and transportation infrastructure will
have dire consequences for the City, the citizens, and for general public health.
Public Works is requesting the following personnel action:
• Reclassification of the City Engineer to Deputy Director of Public Works
• Reclassification of a two-year seasonal GIS Technician to a full time two-year GIS
technician
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Minutes of the City of Arlington City Council Workshop January 24. 2022
• Hiring a Senior Engineer with strong utilities experience
• Hiring a Sewer Collections staff person, and
• Hiring a Water Treatment Plant Operator (scheduled for late 2022)
Discussion followed with Mr. Kelly and City Administrator Paul Ellis answering Council
questions.
Procurement of Remaining Membranes for Water Reclamation Facility
Public Works Director Jim Kelly reviewed a request for purchase of Kubota Membranes for
Water Reclamation Facility MBR trains #1, #3, and #4.
The City of Arlington's membrane bioreactor (MBR) process was placed into operation in
2010. The facility was designed using Kubota Flat Plat membranes. Per the manufacturer,
Kubota Membrane USA flat plate membranes are expected to have a service life of
approximately 10 years. The City's membranes are currently two years past this estimated
service life.
In 2021, Public Works presented a sole source justification memorandum to Council
summarizing why using Kubota flat plat membranes to replace existing membranes was
the preferred choice. Council issued Resolution 2021-027 authorizing the sole source
procurement of Kubota membranes allowing staff to procure and replace membranes in
MBR train #2. We are now ready to move forward with the replacement of membranes in
trains #1, #3 and #4. This item was budgeted in the 2022 budget. Discussion followed with
Mr. Kelly answering Council questions.
ADMINISTRATOR AND STAFF REPORTS
Community and Economic Director Marc Hayes spoke of the Housing Action Plan Grant that
is available from Department of Commerce for $100,000. The City could apply for funding
to plan the element of the subarea plan as part of the Comprehensive Plan Update. The grant
is due February 4, 2022, and the next Council meeting is February 7, 2022. Council was in
agreement to apply for the grant.
City Administrator Paul Ellis reminded the Council that next Monday is the fifth Monday of
the month, and there will be no meeting.
MAYOR'S REPORT
None.
COMMENTS FROM COUNCILMEMBERS
Councilmember Jan Schuette is looking forward to the SCCIT (Snohomish County Citizens for
Improved Transportation) meeting tomorrow. She will report out to the Council after the
meeting.
Councilmember Mike Hopson commented on several state senate bills concerning the
housing crisis, and supports all measures. He spoke of an example of a family who came to
Arlington for a job, and could not find housing in Arlington. He suggests Arlington take
measures to provide more affordable housing in Arlington.
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Minutes of the City of Arlington City Council Worl<shop January 24, 2022
Councilmember Marilyn Oertle showed a photo of a new art sculpture, located at 188th Street
and 59th Avenue.
Councilmember Don Vanney spoke of a meeting with County Council Member Nate Nehring,
where lack of housing for sale in all of Snohomish County was discussed. Councilmember
Vanney has concerns about vandalism, and requested the possibility of security cameras
downtown.
PUBLIC COMMENT
None.
REVIEW OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING
Councilmembers discussed and agreed not to place items on the consent agenda for the
February 7, 2022 meeting.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
None.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business to come before the Council, the meeting was adjourned at 7:28 p.m.
Barbara Tolbert, Mayor
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