HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Signed Minutes 01-23-26_Retreat & OrientationMinutes of the Arlington
City Council Retreat and Orientation
Council Chambers
110 East 3rd Street
Friday, January 23, 2026
Councilmembers Present: Heather Watland, Rob Toyer, Yvonne Gallardo-Van Ornam,
Michele Blythe, Nathan Senff, Tim Abrahamson, and Leisha Nobach.
Council Members Absent: None.
Staff Present: Mayor Don Vanney, Paul Ellis, Sarah Lopez, Shawn Friang, Bryan Terry, Shelby
Burke, Josh Grindy, Jonathan Ventura, Jim Kelly, Amy Rusko, Marty Wray, and Wendy
Van Der Meersche.
Also Known to be Present: Ann Bennett.
City Administrator Paul Ellis welcomed everyone and reviewed the agenda.
Council Do's and Don'ts Training
Mr. Ellis introduced WCIA Executive Director Ann Bennett, who led the training.
Department Orientation
A PowerPoint presentation was conducted as follows:
Legal - Oskar Rey, City Attorney (who joined virtually with Teams)
Airport - Marty Wray, Director
Community and Economic Development - Amy Rusko, Director
City Clerk - Wendy Van Der Meersche, City Clerk
Community Engagement - Sarah Lopez, Community Engagement Director
Finance - Shelby Burke, Director
Human Resources - Shawn Friang, Director
Information Technology - Bryan Terry, Director
Police - Jonathan Ventura, Police Chief
Public Works, Utilities and Transportation - Jim Kelly, Director
Maintenance and Operations - Josh Grindy, Manager
Administration - Paul Ellis, City Administrator
Dignity video
Mayor Vanney introduced a video with Tim Shriver who discussed speaking with dignity.
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Minutes of the City of Arlington City Council Budget Retreat January 23 2026
City Council Rules of Procedures
City Administrator Paul Ellis led a review and discussion of the current City Council Rules of
Procedure.
ADDITIONAL DISCUSSION ITEMS
None.
ADJOURNMENT
With nothing further, the retreat was adjourned at 2:44 p.m.
1)6nT. Vanney, Mayor
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