HomeMy WebLinkAboutSigned Minutes 11-03-25Minutes of the Arlington
City Council Meeting
Council Chambers
110 East 3rd Street
Monday, November 3, 2025
Councilmembers Present: Heather Logan, Rob Toyer, Debora Nelson, Michele Blythe
Yvonne Gallardo-Van Ornam, Leisha Nobach, and Jan Schuette.
Council Members Absent: None.
Staff Present: Mayor Don Vanney, Paul Ellis, Sarah Lopez, Shelby Burke, Sheri Amundson,
Mike Gilbert, Rory Bolter, Amy Rusko, Emily Romanenko, Chelsea Brewer, and Wendy Van
Der Meersche.
Also Known to be Present: Kathy Vanney, Heather Watland, Tim Abrahamson, Nathan
Senff, Kim Casteel, Randy Nobach, Tina Richardson, Elinor Richardson, Rachel Zeutenhorst,
Jay Lindberg, and Jeri Rugtvedt and family.
Mayor Don Vanney called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m., and the Pledge of Allegiance and
roll call followed.
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Mayor Pro Tern Michele Blythe moved to approve the agenda as presented. Councilmember
Rob Toyer seconded the motion, which passed with a unanimous vote.
INTRODUCTION OF SPECIAL GUESTS AND PRESENTATIONS
Mayor Vanney presented Jeri Rugtvedt with the Mayor's Volunteer Award for her years of
service in the community as the Downtown Arlington Business Association (DABA) street
fair coordinator.
PROCLAMATIONS
None.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Jay Lindberg, Stanwood, provided comments.
CONSENT AGENDA
Mayor Pro Tern Michele Blythe moved, and Councilmember Leisha Nobach seconded the
motion to approve the Consent Agenda that was unanimously carried:
1. Minutes of the October 20 and October 27, 2025 Council meetings
2. Accounts Payable: Approval of EFT Payments and Claims Checks #114430 through
#114561, dated October 7, 2025, through October 20, 2025 in the amount of
$3,752,767.46;
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Minutes of the City of Arlington City Council Meeting November 3 2025
Approval of Payroll EFT Payments and Check #30466 through #30469 dated
September 1, 2025, through September 30, 2025, in the amount of $1,544,398.83
3. Contract with American Ramp Company for Jensen Park Pump Track
4. Amendment No. 2 to the Rock Project Management Contract
PUBLIC HEARING
Resolution Establishing the 2026 Property Tax Levy
City Administrator Paul Ellis requested Council approve the resolution establishing the
2026 property tax levy.
The public hearing was opened at 6:09 p.m.
With no members of the public wishing to comment, the public comment portion was
closed at 6:09 p.m.
Council comments and questions were opened at 6:09 p.m.
Councilmember Heather Logan commented.
The public hearing was closed at 6:10 p.m.
Mayor Pro Tem Michele Blythe moved, and Councilmember Heather Logan seconded the
motion to approve the resolution of the City of Arlington establishing the 2026 regular
property tax levy and authorized the Mayor to sign the resolution. The motion passed
unanimously.
NEW BUSINESS
First Amendment to Lease Agreement with Arlington United Church
City Administrator Paul Ellis requested Council approve the first amendment to the lease
agreement with Arlington United Church.
The lease agreement with Arlington United Church for shared parking was entered into on
October 31, 2005, expiring in 2025. The proposed amendment will extend the agreement
for an additional 20 years.
The City began leasing the parking area owned by Arlington United Church in 1964. The
most recent agreement expires in 2025. In return for the use of public parking, the City
assumes responsibility for maintaining the parking lot.
Councilmember Heather Logan moved, and Councilmember Leisha Nobach seconded the
motion to approve the first amendment to the lease agreement with Arlington United
Church and authorized the Mayor to sign it. The motion passed unanimously.
Cooperative Purchasing Agreement with King County
City Administrator Paul Ellis requested Council approve the cooperative purchasing
agreement with King County.
The City would like to enter into a Cooperative Purchasing Agreement with King County for
the ability to piggyback off their contracts.
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Minutes of the City of Arlington City Council Meeting November 3. 2025
The City has entered into many Cooperative Purchasing Agreements with other agencies to
ensure we are utilizing the most cost-effective method for purchasing supplies and/or
services.
Councilmember Debora Nelson moved, and Councilmember Michele Blythe seconded the
motion to approve the Cooperative Purchasing Agreement between the City and King
County. The motion passed unanimously.
Resolution Approving the 2026 Annual Docket
Community and Economic Development Director Amy Rusko requested Council approve
the resolution approving the 2026 annual docket.
On October 7, 2025, the City's Planning Commission reviewed the 2026 Preliminary Annual
Docket. The docket consists of eighteen items, all initiated by the City. On October 21, 2025,
the City's Planning Commission held a Public Hearing on the 2026 Preliminary Annual
Docket and recommended all items on the Preliminary Annual Docket be placed on the
final annual docket.
Councilmember Rob Toyer moved, and Councilmember Debora Nelson seconded the
motion to approve the proposed resolution adopting the 2026 final annual docket and
authorized the Mayor to sign the resolution. The motion passed unanimously.
COMMENTS FROM COUNCILMEMBERS
Councilmember Debora Nelson asked for information about Miles Sand and Gravel. City
Administrator Paul Ellis and Community and Economic Development Director Amy Rusko
responded.
Councilmember Yvonne Gallardo-Van Ornam spoke about Super Saturday downtown,
attending the ribbon cutting for Fox and Fable bookstore, and speaking with the Arlington
Garden Club.
ADMINISTRATOR & STAFF REPORTS
City Administrator Paul Ellis introduced new Finance Director Shelby Burke.
MAYOR'S REPORT
Mayor Don Vanney spoke about attending the ribbon cutting for the Fox and Fable bookstore.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Deputy City Attorney Emily Romanenko announced the need for an executive session to
discuss pending or potential litigation [RCW 42.30.110 (1) (i)] for 15 minutes to last until 6:31
p.m.
Council began the executive session at 6:16 p.m.
At 6:31 p.m., the Mayor announced the Council was extending the executive session for a
period of 15 minutes until 6:46 p.m.
Council returned at 6:52 with open session resuming.
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Minutes of the City of Arlington City Council Meeting November 3 2025
Mayor Pro Tem Michele moved, and Councilmember Debora Nelson seconded the motion to
authorize our City Attorney and City Administrator to negotiate with Mr. Rodriguez on the
terms and conditions discussed in our Executive Session. The motion passed unanimously.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business to come before the Council, the eeting was adjourned at 6:53 p.m.
Don E. Vanney, Mayor
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